Mediterranean diet could slow brain ageing

Following a Mediterranean diet may be associated with losing fewer brain cells caused by ageing, according to new research published in the journal ‘American Academy of Neurology’.

A study of people with an average age of 80 showed that those who had followed the diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruit and olive oil, had a larger brain.

Dr James Pickett, head of research at Alzheimer’s Society said: “There is an increasing amount of evidence that eating a healthy diet, rich in fish, vegetables, legumes and nuts is good for your brain.

“This study delves further into the potential benefits that diet could have, but it does not prove that a Mediterranean style diet can stop your brain from shrinking as you age.

“Other key ways to keep your brain healthy is to take as much physical exercise as you can, stop smoking and keep your blood pressure in check.”

The study involved 674 healthy individuals who did not present any signs of dementia. Participants completed questionnaires about their diet over the past year and had their brains scanned an average of seven months after completing the diet questionnaire.

Participants were divided into two groups based on how closely their dietary habits followed the Mediterranean diet principles: those who ate at least five of Mediterranean food components and those who did not.

The Mediterranean-like diet includes a high intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals, fish and mono-unsaturated fatty acids such as olive oil, low intake of saturated fatty acids, dairy products, meat and poultry and mild to moderate amounts of alcohol.

Researchers found that people following the diet had a larger brain volume (13.11 millilitres) than those who did not. Their grey matter volume was 5.0 millilitres larger and their white matter volume was 6.41 millilitres larger.

Overall, the difference in brain volume between the people who followed a Mediterranean diet and those who did not was similar to the effect of five years of ageing.

While previous research has linked a Mediterranean diet to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative brain conditions, scientists are yet to conclusively prove that the diet itself is responsible.

Dr Laura Phipps, from Alzheimer's Research UK, added: “A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruit and vegetables, grains and fish, has been linked to a variety of health benefits and researchers are continuing to investigate the impact of nutrition on the brain.

“While this study suggests there is an association between eating a Mediterranean diet and brain volume in healthy older people, we don’t know whether these particular food choices alter dementia risk. It’s hard to know from this study what the underlying reason for the link between diet and brain volume might be, and what other factors may be involved.

Dr Phipps concluded: “With 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and that number on the rise, research is crucial to help people make lifestyle choices that could reduce their risk of the condition. Age is the biggest risk factor for dementia and we know that genetics and lifestyle factors may also play a role.

“While there is currently no certain way to prevent dementia, new NICE guidelines suggest people could help to lower their risk with a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, regular exercise, not smoking and keeping weight and blood pressure in check.

Alzheimer’s Research UK has recently produced a booklet in accordance with Public Health England to help people become more aware of reducing dementia risk, including guidance on the components of a healthy diet.

For more information on the booklet visit: http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/about-dementia/helpful-information/reducing-the-risk/.