MIND diet could slow cognitive decline among older people

A Mediterranean intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet rich in green leafy vegetables, beans, berries and wholegrains could slow cognitive decline among older adults, according to researchers at Rush University Medical Centre.

The recent study, published online in the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, has revealed that people who followed the MIND diet were seven and a half cognitive years younger over a period of nearly five years than those who adhered to the diet the least.

Dr Clare Walton, Alzheimer Society’s research manager, said: “This research reinforces what we already know about the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet to keep the brain healthy. Previous research suggests that the MIND diet can reduce the risk of developing dementia and now we see it could also slow down the cognitive decline normally seen with age.

“It’s important that people realise there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of dementia, in addition to a healthy balanced diet, including being physically and mentally active and not smoking.”

Researchers tested the cognitive ability of 960 adults with an average age of 81.4 years at 40 retirement community and senior public housing units in the Chicago area over a period of approximately five years. Findings have revealed a slower decline in cognitive ability among the older people who adhered most closely to the MIND diet.

The same study also found that the MIND diet could halve a person’s risk in developing Alzheimer’s disease. With forms of dementia becoming more prevalent within the UK, The Alzheimer’s Society, a leading UK charity, have predicted that two million people will have a form of Dementia by 2051. Yet, it has been identified that as dementia progresses, a person's eating habits and ability to eat are likely to change, which may make it harder to ensure older people have a healthy diet.

To support healthy living the MIND diet has been designed as a hybrid of the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and to control high blood pressure. It advises individuals to limit their intake of the five unhealthy food groups including red meat, butter, cheese, sweets and fast food and instead follow the eating plan rich in olive oil and vegetables.

The plan consists of fifteen dietary components and recommends at least three servings of wholegrains, salad, vegetables and a glass of wine each day, with poultry and fish to be eaten on a weekly basis.

A nutritional epidemiologist, Martha Morris, at Rush University Medical Centre, commented: “The study findings suggest that the MIND diet substantially slows cognitive decline with age. Everyone experiences decline with ageing; and Alzheimer’s disease is now the sixth leading cause of death in the US which accounts for 60 to 80 per cent of dementia’s cases.

“There is still a great deal of study we need to do in this area, and I expect that we’ll make further modifications as the science on diet and the brain advances.”