Here's how the 'MIND' diet can reduce the risk of dementia
| Mar 9, 2019, 11:12 IST
While most diets are focused on helping people lose weight, a new diet has now come up that works on mental health too. A recent study was conducted and it was found that a diet that focuses on improving mental health can actually reduce the risk of people developing cognitive conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The research reviewed the effects of the MIND diet - Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay Diet.
Characterised by 15 dietary components, the MIND diet focuses on green leafy vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and small amounts of red meat. The incorporation of the Mediterranean diet is believed to have positive effects in other health settings like heart health. So, while there are foods in the MIND diet that have been incorporated from the Mediterranean diet, the MIND diet mostly focuses on incorporating foods that will be good for brain health.
For the study, 1220 adults over the age of 60 were followed closely for a period of 12 years. It was found that the adults who followed the MIND diet showed a 19% reduced risk of developing cognitive impairments like dementia. "This study has shown for the first time, outside of the US, that the MIND diet reduces the risk of dementia," said the lead researcher. The researchers now hope that this diet can lead the way for reducing the risks of cognitive impairment in people. Stay tuned for more updates.
Characterised by 15 dietary components, the MIND diet focuses on green leafy vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and small amounts of red meat. The incorporation of the Mediterranean diet is believed to have positive effects in other health settings like heart health. So, while there are foods in the MIND diet that have been incorporated from the Mediterranean diet, the MIND diet mostly focuses on incorporating foods that will be good for brain health.
For the study, 1220 adults over the age of 60 were followed closely for a period of 12 years. It was found that the adults who followed the MIND diet showed a 19% reduced risk of developing cognitive impairments like dementia. "This study has shown for the first time, outside of the US, that the MIND diet reduces the risk of dementia," said the lead researcher. The researchers now hope that this diet can lead the way for reducing the risks of cognitive impairment in people. Stay tuned for more updates.