Mediterranean diet reduces brain shrinkage in old age

The Mediterranean diet is the diet most associated with cognitive and health benefits in older adults.
A new study has found larger brain volumes among those following this sort of diet, equivalent to that of brains five years younger.
Much of this was associated with two components of the diet in particular: eating fish regularly, and eating less meat.

Another study adds to the growing evidence that a Mediterranean diet is good for the aging brain.

The New York study used data from 674 non-demented older adults (average age 80). It found that those who closely followed such a diet showed significantly less brain shrinkage. Specifically, total brain volume was an average 13.11 milliliters greater, with grey matter volume 5 millilitres greater, and white matter 6.4 millilitres greater.

Eating at least five of the recommended Mediterranean diet components was associated with benefits equivalent to five years of age. By far the most important of these components was regular fish and reduced meat intake — at least 3 to 5 ounces of fish weekly; no more than 3.5 ounces of meat daily.

This is consistent with a considerable amount of research indicating the benefits of fish in fighting age-related cognitive decline.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/oct/21/mediterranean-diet-may-slow-the-ageing-process-by-five-years

Reference:

[4025] Gu, Y., Brickman A. M., Stern Y., Habeck C. G., Razlighi Q. R., Luchsinger J. A., et al.
(2015). Mediterranean diet and brain structure in a multiethnic elderly cohort.
Neurology. 10.1212/WNL.0000000000002121.

seniors

Related News

Prevalence of cognitive problems among older adults

Data from 11,926 older twins (aged 65+) has found measurable cognitive impairment in 25% of them and subjective cognitive impairment in a further 39%, meaning that 64% of these older adults were experiencing some sort of cognitive impairment.

Alzheimer's protein may impair mental function even in healthy adults

Another study adds to the evidence that changes in the brain that may lead eventually to Alzheimer’s begin many years before Alzheimer’s is diagnosed.

Severe, rapid memory loss linked to future, fatal strokes

A ten-year study following 12,412 middle-aged and older adults (50+) has found that those who died after stroke had more severe memory loss in the years before stroke compared to those who survived stroke and those who didn't have a stroke.

More evidence linking poor sleep to Alzheimer’s risk

A small study of the sleep patterns of 100 people aged 45-80 has found a link between sleep disruption and level of amyloid plaques (characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease).

Walking speed and grip strength may predict dementia, stroke risk

Following on from research showing an association between lower walking speed and increased risk of dementia, and weaker hand grip strength and increased dementia risk, a large study has explored whether this association extends to middle-aged and younger-old adults.

Identifying those with cognitive impairment

New data from the ongoing validation study of the Alzheimer's Questionnaire (AQ), from 51 cognitively normal individuals (average age 78) and 47 aMCI individuals (average age 74), has found that the AQ is effective in identifying not only those with Alzheimer’s but also those older adults wi

Negative stereotypes about aging affect how well older adults remember

In the study, 64 older adults (60-74; average 70) and 64 college students were compared on a word recognition task. Both groups first took a vocabulary test, on which they performed similarly. They were then presented with 12 lists of 15 semantically related words.

Why eating less may keep the brain young

I have reported often on studies pointing to obesity as increasing your risk of developing dementia, and on the smaller evidence that calorie restriction may help fight age-related cognitive decline and dement

Cognitive training for older adults can also change a personality trait

Openness to experience – being flexible and creative, embracing new ideas and taking on challenging intellectual or cultural pursuits – is one of the ‘Big 5’ personality traits. Unlike the other four, it shows some correlation with cognitive abilities.

Music training protects against aging-related hearing loss

I’ve spoken before about the association between hearing loss in old age and dementia risk.

Pages