These dietary changes can reduce the risk of dementia by a quarter

Dementia is one of the most emotionally distressing things a person can go through. Not only for the people going through it, but also for their families and loved ones.

But what if we told you that you could reduce your risk of dementia by a whole quarter simply by changing your diet a bit?

According to a study published in the journal BMC Medicine, eating a Mediterranean diet of nuts, seafood, whole grains, and vegetables It can reduce the risk of dementia by almost a quarter.

The results of the data suggest that eating plant foods can have a “protective effect” against dementia regardless of whether you are genetically predisposed to developing it.

This research draws on data from more than 60,000 individuals from the UK Biobank, an online database of medical and lifestyle records for more than half a million Britons.

Study co-author Janice Ranson, a research fellow at the University of Exeter, said, “The results of this large population study confirm the long-term brain health benefits of consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.”

“The protective effect of this diet against dementia was evident regardless of a person’s genetic risk, and therefore this is likely to be a beneficial lifestyle choice for people looking to make healthy food choices and reduce their risk of dementia,” she added.

The way this study worked was that the researchers scored the individuals using two measures of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. They also took into account each individual’s genetic risk of developing dementia.

Over the course of nearly ten years, about 882 people developed dementia. But it was found that those who followed a Mediterranean diet reduced their risk of developing the condition by 23% compared to those who ate a different diet.

Dr Oliver Shannon, lead author of the study and Lecturer in Human Nutrition and Aging at Newcastle University, said finding ways to reduce dementia risk is very important for public health.

“Dementia affects the lives of millions of individuals around the world, and there are currently limited options for treating the condition,” he said.

According to the NHSThere is currently no specific treatment for dementia. An early diagnosis can slow the process in some cases, and also help the individual get the right treatment and support.

The researchers hope that this will form the basis for future health strategies if additional research confirms their findings, and that it could pave the way for more research and new preventive therapies.

In the meantime, we can always do a good job of incorporating a Mediterranean diet into our lives. Not only is it super tasty, but there is also the added bonus of having the chance to reduce your risk of dementia.