Alzheimer's Society Comment On Mediterranean-type Diet Reducing Alzheimer's Risk, Published In Journal Of The American Medical Association (JAMA)

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 17 Aug 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Older people who reported both exercising a lot and following a diet close to the Mediterranean-type had a 60 per cent reduction in the chance of developing Alzheimer's

The study found that subjects who were very physically active had a 33 per cent risk reduction of Alzheimer's and those who adhered more strongly to a Mediterranean-type diet had a 40 per cent risk reduction. Those who combined these two factors had a 60 per cent reduction in their risk for developing Alzheimer's.

'Dementia is one of people's biggest fears in later life but very few people realise that there are things they can do to reduce their risk of developing this devastating condition. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce the chance of developing dementia.

'A Mediterranean diet full of green leafy vegetables, oily fish, nuts and low in saturated fats is an incredibly healthy approach to eating and may reduce your risk of developing dementia. This study suggests combining this diet with regular exercise is one of the best ways to cut your chances of developing dementia.' 'With one million people set to develop dementia in the next 10 years, it is essential that we act now to defeat it.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Reference: The study observed 1880 older subjects, with an average age of 77, in Northern Manhattan. Lead author is Nikos Scarmeas, MD, associate professor of clinical neurology in the Department of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Centre.

Source
Alzheimer's Society

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