The Mediterranean diet continues to affirm why it has been recognized as the best overall diet by the U.S. News & World Report for seven consecutive years. According to a recent study published in the journal JAMA Neurology, adhering to the Mediterranean diet can help maintain cognitive sharpness in old age, even in individuals with signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain post-mortem, as per researchers from Rush University in Chicago.
The Mediterranean diet, originating from the traditional diets of 21 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods, grains, lean poultry, and extra-virgin olive oil, alongside a variety of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and whole grains. It does not concentrate on specific nutrients or food groups, instead prioritizing quality and a diverse range of food items.
Using data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, researchers studied 586 individuals who passed away at an average age of 91 between 1997 and 2022, with up to 24 years of follow-up data. Participants reported their lifestyle habits, including adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cognitive activity score, among other factors. Their healthy lifestyle score was ranked from one to five based on factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise frequency, and Mediterranean diet, with higher scores indicating a healthier lifestyle and better cognitive function towards the end of life.
Following their deaths, the researchers examined the participants’ brains for signs of Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid beta and tau tangles. Dementia is a general term for diminished memory, cognitive abilities, and decision-making that hinders daily activities, with Alzheimer’s being the most common form.
Regardless of the presence of Alzheimer’s markers in the brain, the study revealed that living a healthy lifestyle, including following the Mediterranean diet, seemed to offer some protection against cognitive decline.
The balanced nature of the Mediterranean diet is believed to contribute to its potential in preventing cognitive decline, as it helps in reducing the likelihood of indulging in unhealthy snacks and junk food by keeping individuals full for longer periods of time.
Moreover, the diet has been linked to potential benefits beyond brain health, such as reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder through the gut microbiome. Recent studies also suggest that adhering to the diet may lower the risk of premature death by 29% and reduce the chances of heart disease and early mortality, particularly in women. Additionally, it is among the healthy eating patterns that have been associated with a reduced risk of early death, as indicated by a previous study conducted at Harvard University.
