Mediterranean diet could lower risk of Alzheimer's

April 19, 2006 in Nutrition for Older Adults, Nutrition Topics in the News

Mediterranean diet could lower risk of Alzheimer's
Study findings from researchers at Columbia Medical University Medical Center have found that eating a Mediterranean diet could lower the risk of developing Alzheimer�s disease by as much as 40 percent.

The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and fish is known for it�s ability to lower the risk of heart disease and offer protection against some cancers.

This latest study, published in the Annals of Neurology, followed over 2200 elderly people with no history of dementia for four years. During the study period the diets of the participants were measured using food frequency questionnaires. During the study period, subjects were reassessed every 18 months with physical and neurological exams.

Researchers discovered that participants whose diets closely resembled the Mediterranean diet had a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer�s disease. Some participants had a 40 percent lower risk, even after age, gender, BMI and smoking were taken into account.

Alzheimer�s disease remains the most common form of dementia; it currently affects over 13 million people worldwide.

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