Mediterranean Diet Decreases Dementia

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 15 Jul 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Research released at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease suggests that adhering to a Mediterranean diet may decrease risk of dementia.

It is also linked to benefits for people with high blood pressure or pre-hypertension.

The study used a survey which included a cognitive assessment and food frequency questions in order to observe developments across an 11 year period. The results suggested a diet which included vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy and nuts may aid cognitive function.

'The study adds weight to a growing body of evidence which suggests that a Mediterranean diet full of green leafy vegetables, oily fish and the odd glass of red wine is the best type of diet for those who want to follow a diet that can help lower their chances of developing dementia. Some studies have shown this can type of diet can reduce your risk by up to 40%.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Reference: Wengreen, RD, PHD. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet adherance scores and cognitive decline and dementia among aging men and women: Cashe County study of Memory Health and Ageing.

Notes

- International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease runs from 11 - 16 July 2009 for further information please visit ICAD.

- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia

- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.

- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.

- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

- Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

Source
Alzheimer's Society