Can Diet Help Slow Cognitive Impairment?
Can you protect your brain with your fork? The results of a recent study by researchers at the University of Cincinnati suggest that the answer might be “yes.” They followed 14,145 participants, average age 64, for 10 years and assessed their diets in relation to the MIND diet, which combines aspects of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. The MIND diet includes green leafy vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, poultry, fish, beans, nuts, and berries, while limiting red meat, sweets, and fried foods.
The participants were divided into three groups based on how closely their diet matched the MIND diet. Those in the highest adherence group had a 4 percent reduced risk of cognitive impairment compared to those in the lowest group. Women who closely followed the diet saw a 6 percent reduction, but no significant effect was observed in men. The diet seemed to slow cognitive decline more in Black participants than in white participants.
Although the study shows an association, it does not prove that the MIND diet prevents cognitive impairment. The results, however, highlight the potential benefit of simple dietary changes in delaying cognitive decline, especially in older adults. Further research is needed to explore the varying effects on different groups, including men and women, and across racial demographics.
