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Med diet may reduce dementia risk

Vegetable display in a shop05/09/13

By Chris Gibbings

Eating a Mediterranean diet is good for the mind, new research has concluded.


The research, by the University of Exeter's medical school, is the first systematic review of previous studies into the diet's benefits to the brain.




Lead researcher Iliana Lourida said: "Mediterranean food is both delicious and nutritious, and our systematic review shows it may help to protect the ageing brain by reducing the risk of dementia.


She added: "Our review also highlights inconsistencies in the literature and the need for further research.


"It is also important to note that while observational studies provide suggestive evidence, we now need randomised, controlled trials to confirm whether or not adherence to a Mediterranean diet protects against dementia."

The Alzheimer's Society welcomed the research.

A spokesman said: "We've known for some that time following a Mediterranean diet such as eating oily fish, green vegetables and avoiding saturated fats may help stave off memory problems in later life.

"But this study pulls the evidence together to understand the whole picture.

"This research shows that the choices we make on lifestyle factors like diet can reduce your risk of developing dementia.

"These results, combined with the knowledge that exercise can also reduce your risk, shows that there are things people can do.

"One in three people over the age of 65 will develop dementia so we need more research to bring forward effective treatments and ultimately a cure."

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