Named diet that protects against dementia

An international team of researchers has established that following the MIND diet can significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. This is stated in a report by the American Society for Nutrition (ASN).

The MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) is a combination of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, which aims to reduce blood pressure by limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fats. This approach places special emphasis on foods beneficial for the brain: leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, legumes, and olive oil.

The study was based on an analysis of data from nearly 93,000 US residents aged 45 to 75, collected since the 1990s. During this period, more than 21,000 participants developed dementia. However, among those who strictly adhered to the principles of the MIND diet, the risk of dementia was 9% lower.

"Our results confirm that healthy eating habits in middle and old age, as well as their gradual improvement, can reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease," noted one of the study's authors, Associate Professor Song-Yi Park of the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Interestingly, no such connection was found among members of the Asian-American community and residents of Hawaii. Scientists suggest that this may be related to the characteristics of traditional diets in these groups and initially lower incidence rates. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering cultural context when developing dietary recommendations.