A comprehensive study reveals that adhering to the MIND diet—which is rich in leafy greens, berries, nuts, and olive oil—can substantially lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This extensive research, based on data from nearly 93,000 U.S. adults, highlights the protective effects of the MIND diet, especially among African American, Latino, and White participants.
The MIND diet, an acronym for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, merges elements from the Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. It emphasizes the consumption of brain-healthy foods such as leafy green vegetables, various berries, nuts, and olive oil. The study concluded that the MIND diet demonstrated a stronger and more consistent relationship with reduced dementia risk compared to other healthy dietary patterns.
The research indicated that participants who improved their adherence to the MIND diet over a decade experienced up to a 25% lower risk of dementia, regardless of their age. This suggests significant cognitive benefits can be achieved by adopting a healthier diet at any stage of life. “Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias,” stated Dr. Song-Yi Park, an associate professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
While the overall adherence to the MIND diet was associated with a 9% reduction in dementia risk, this effect was more pronounced among African American, Latino, and White individuals, who saw a risk reduction of approximately 13%. Conversely, there was no significant risk reduction observed for Native Hawaiian or Asian American participants, indicating that a tailored approach may be necessary when evaluating dietary quality across different subpopulations.
One of the most compelling findings showed that individuals who improved their MIND diet adherence over ten years had a 25% lower risk of dementia compared to those whose dietary habits declined. This trend was consistent across various age groups and racial demographics, reinforcing the notion that dietary improvements can yield significant health benefits.
Dr. Park emphasized the need for further research to explore the dietary patterns and preferences that may contribute to the observed differences in dementia risk among racial and ethnic groups. She suggested that interventional studies would be vital to establish a causal relationship, as the current study relied on observational data. The findings will be presented at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, scheduled for May 31–June 3 in Orlando, Florida.
As the population ages and the prevalence of dementia increases, embracing a brain-healthy diet like the MIND diet could be a proactive measure to combat cognitive decline. With its focus on nutrient-rich foods, the MIND diet not only promotes general health but also offers a promising strategy for reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and related dementias.
