The MIND diet along with exercise can lower dementia risk: US study
The research, conducted in the United States, involved 2,111 older adults with an average age of 68. Over a two-year period, participants followed either a structured lifestyle program or a lower-intensity, self-guided version.The structured program included regular moderate- to high-intensity physical activity, following the MIND diet (a brain-healthy eating plan), engaging in cognitive and social activities, and monitoring heart health.The MIND diet, short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, is a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). But it goes a step further by targeting nutrients specifically linked to brain health and cognitive function.Key brain-boosting components of the MIND diet include:Flavonoids and polyphenols from fruits, vegetables, tea, and dark chocolateFolate from leafy greens and legumesOmega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, seeds, and nutsCompared to general healthy eating guidelines, the MIND diet places special emphasis on daily consumption of green leafy vegetables and weekly servings of berries and fish foods known to nourish neurons and reduce brain inflammation.RESULTS: SMALL BUT SIGNIFICANT COGNITIVE BOOSTThose who followed the structured program showed slightly better improvements in their overall brain function, or 'global cognition,' compared to those in the self-guided group.Although the difference may seem small, it was statistically significant. The structured group's cognitive scores improved by 0.243 standard deviation units per year, compared to 0.213 in the self-guided group.'This kind of lifestyle intervention, though modest in effect, is promising,' the authors noted. 'It shows that non-drug-based strategies targeting multiple risk factors can be a safe, accessible, and relatively low-cost way to protect brain health.'HEALTH BENEFITSThe structured program appeared to benefit people regardless of their genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease (such as carriers of the APOE 4 gene).Interestingly, people with lower cognitive scores at the start of the study saw slightly more benefit than those who began with higher scores.advertisementFEWER SIDE EFFECTSIn terms of safety, the structured group reported fewer serious and non-serious adverse events compared to the self-guided group.However, Covid-19 infections were more common among those in the structured group, likely due to higher in-person activity.NOT A CURE, BUT A STEP FORWARDWhile the cognitive improvements were not dramatic, the researchers believe the findings are important.More studies are needed to see how long these benefits last and whether they can lead to meaningful improvements in daily functioning.But for now, this study adds weight to what doctors have long believed: a healthy lifestyle is good for both the body and the brain.- EndsTrending Reel
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The MIND diet along with exercise can lower dementia risk: US study
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