The Mediterranean diet has long been praised for its health benefits, particularly in relation to brain health and cognitive function. A recent study conducted by the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio, Boston University School of Medicine, and the Framingham Heart Study has shed light on the link between dietary habits and the risk of developing dementia.
According to the study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, researchers analyzed data from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort to investigate the association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score and the incidence of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The study included 1,487 participants aged 60 or older who were free of dementia at baseline.
The DII is a tool used to quantify the inflammatory potential of diets by analyzing various dietary components. Higher DII scores indicate more pro-inflammatory diets, while lower scores reflect anti-inflammatory diets. The study found that participants with higher DII scores, indicating a pro-inflammatory diet, had a significantly increased risk of developing all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
For every unit increase in the DII score, the risk of all-cause dementia rose by 21%, and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease dementia increased by 20%. Participants with the most pro-inflammatory diets were 84% more likely to develop dementia compared to those with the most anti-inflammatory diets. These associations remained significant even after adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors.
The findings suggest that chronic inflammation, driven by diets high in pro-inflammatory components such as saturated fats and processed carbohydrates, may contribute to neurodegenerative processes and promote the development of Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and flavonoids may help counteract these effects and support brain health.
While the study was observational and cannot establish causality, the results highlight the potential role of dietary interventions in reducing dementia risk. Incorporating DII-type assessments into dietary guidelines could help identify individuals at risk of dementia and develop targeted nutrition strategies on a population level.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, for brain health and reducing the risk of dementia. By making informed dietary choices and prioritizing anti-inflammatory foods, individuals may be able to mitigate the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease in the long run.
