Which diet may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia

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Diet- it is a lifestyle factor that a person is able to change. It can also be useful for reducing the risk of developing a number of diseases.

A new study by Greek scientists has shown that a certain diet may be associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia. A random sample of 1,059 people participated in the study. The average age was 73 years, the participants did not have dementia at the time of the study.

Each respondent filled out a questionnaire about diet and staple foods. The inflammatory potential of their diet was assessed using a special scale. The study participants were observed for an average of three years. During this time, 62 people, or 6%, developed dementia.

The scientists concluded that people who followed a so-called anti-inflammatory diet, which includes more fruits, vegetables, legumes, tea or coffee, had a lower risk of developing dementia. After adjusting for age, sex, and education, the researchers found that each one-point increase in the diet-related inflammatory score was also associated with a 21% increased risk of dementia.

In respondents, based on the analysis of the diet of those in the group that followed the least anti-inflammatory diet, the probability of developing dementia was three times higher than in those who built their diet on the basis of such a diet.

As one of the authors of the study points out, Nikolaos Skarmeas, M.D. from the National University of Kapodistria of Athens, the results of the study can help form more individual and precise dietary recommendations and other strategies to support cognitive health.

The scientists note that their study was observational, and not clinical. It just shows a possible link between following an anti-inflammatory diet and brain aging, as well as dementia. Longer studies are needed, experts point out.