Mixed
Adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern (MeDi) is associated with a decreased risk of dementia and better cognitive performance, particularly in memory, language, and visuospatial domains, in elderly populations.
To support cognitive health and potentially lower dementia risk, aim for a Mediterranean dietary pattern. This involves high consumption of non-refined cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, and olive oil, while limiting red meat and full-fat dairy. In this study, each unit increase in adherence score was linked to a 10% decrease in dementia odds, with the strongest benefits seen in memory and language functions. Start by incorporating more fish and whole grains into your weekly meals.
Each unit increase in the Mediterranean dietary score (MedDietScore) was associated with a 10% decrease in the odds for dementia. Adherence to the MeDi was also associated with better performance in memory, language, visuospatial perception and the composite cognitive score; the associations were strongest for memory.
Why this rating
Large sample size (N=1,865), representative population, comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, and adjustment for confounders, but it is an observational study.
Source
Mediterranean diet and cognitive health: Initial results from the Hellenic Longitudinal Investigation of Ageing and Diet
Costas A. Anastasiou et al. · PLoS ONE · 2017
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0182048
More from this paper
Related findings · Mixed
- Bariatric surgery (VSG and RYGB) is the most effective and sustainable treatment for obesity, producing marked and sustained weight loss that non-surgical interventions cannot match.Strong
- Severely protein-deficient diets (2–3% energy) induce lean body mass loss and metabolic imbalance, whereas adequate protein intake (0.66 g/kg/d minimum) is a prerequisite for maintaining muscle, bone, and physiological function.Strong
- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →