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The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
Meet the MIND diet: With some claiming it can keep your brain strong
Sticking to a brain-healthy diet can help fight off Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The MIND — or 'Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay' — diet has been effective in this area, according to new research. The strategy combines the well-known Mediterranean diet with the DASH, or 'Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension,' eating plan, emphasizing foods such as leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, fish, poultry, and olive oil. The DASH eating plan targets a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet, limiting sugar and foods high in saturated fats. 'Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer's and related dementias,' Dr. Song-Yi Park, an associate professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, said in a statement. 'This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet to prevent dementia.' Park is presenting the findings at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition on Monday. Park and his colleagues analyzed data from nearly 93,000 American adults who had provided information about their diets starting in the 1990s when they were between the ages of 45 and 75 years old. More than 21,000 have since developed Alzheimer's or related dementias. Those who stuck to the plant-forward MIND diet had a 9 percent lower risk of dementia. That was even more pronounced among those who identified as African American, Latino or White, at around 13 percent. The trend was not as apparent among Asian Americans and showed a weaker trend in Native Hawaiians. Those who enhanced their commitment to the diet over time showed the greatest risk reduction. That was true for both older and younger groups. Participants who improved their compliance had a 25 percent lower risk of dementia compared with those whose adherence declined. The findings build upon previous research which found the diet slashed the risk of Alzheimer's by as much as more than half for those who stuck to it rigorously and more than a third in those with moderate commitment. Leafy greens are especially associated with less Alzheimer's brain pathology, according to the National Institute on Aging. Whatever the cause, adhering to the healthy diet may help millions of Americans with Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for 60-80 percent of dementia cases. 'A tailored approach may be needed when evaluating different subpopulations' diet quality,' Park explained.
CBS News
a day ago
- Health
- CBS News
This diet can protect your brain from Alzheimer's even if started later in life, new study suggests
People who follow a MIND diet, even if started later in life, were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or related forms of dementia, according to new research. The MIND diet stands for "Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay" and combines many elements of the Mediterranean diet and DASH ("Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension"). It emphasizes brain-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts and olive oil. The study, being presented Monday at the American Society for Nutrition's annual meeting, analyzed data from nearly 93,000 U.S. adults aged 45 to 75 starting in the 1990s. Participants who closely followed a MIND diet had a 9% lower risk of dementia compared to those with low adherence to the diet. Those who improved their adherence to the diet over 10 years, including those who didn't follow the diet closely at first, had a 25% lower risk of dementia compared to those whose adherence declined. "Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer's and related dementias," Song-Yi Park, an associate professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, said in a news release. "This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet to prevent dementia." An estimated 7.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. This study joins previous research that has highlighted the benefits of eating a plant-focused diet to prevent the progressive brain disorder. A 2023 study published in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that people who follow the Mediterranean or MIND diets may have fewer signs of Alzheimer's disease in their brain tissue. "While our research doesn't prove that a healthy diet resulted in fewer brain deposits of amyloid plaques, also known as an indicator of Alzheimer's disease, we know there is a relationship and following the MIND and Mediterranean diets may be one way that people can improve their brain health and protect cognition as they age," study author Puja Agarwal of Rush University in Chicago, who holds a doctorate in human nutrition, said in a news release at the time. Researchers found leafy greens appeared to be the biggest asset of the diets. "People who ate the highest amounts of green leafy vegetables, or seven or more servings per week, had plaque amounts in their brains corresponding to being almost 19 years younger than people who ate the fewest, with one or fewer servings per week," the researchers said in the release.
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
The ‘MIND diet' could slash your risk of dementia by up to 25 per cent, scientists discover
IT'S never too late to start eating better to prevent dementia, research suggests. Over-45s who followed what's known as the ' MIND diet ' were "significantly" less likely to develop the disease than those who ate other healthy meals. MIND stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. It combines the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruit, vegetables and healthy fats, with the blood pressure-lowering DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which includes whole grains, low fat dairy and lean meats. Scientists say it has a particular focus on proven "brain-healthy" foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts and olive oil. The study, by the University of Hawaii at Manoa, found participants who closely followed MIND at the start of the study had a nine per cent lower risk of dementia, with an even greater reduction, of around 13 per cent, among those who identified as African American, Latino or white. People who improved their adherence over 10 years - including those who didn't follow the diet diligently at first - had a 25 per cent lower risk of dementia compared to those whose adherence declined. The beneficial relationship was seen similarly among younger and older groups, which the researchers say suggests that there are benefits to adopting the diet at any age. Dr Song-Yi Park, associate professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, said: "Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer's and related dementias. "This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet to prevent dementia." Researchers analysed data from more than 90,000 American adults aged 45 to 75 who provided information about their diets, starting in the 1990s. More than 21,000 developed Alzheimer's or related types of dementia in subsequent years. Five simple tests that could indicate dementia "We found that the protective relationship between a healthy diet and dementia was more pronounced among those who identified as African American, Latino and white, while it was not as apparent among Asian Americans and showed a weaker trend in Native Hawaiians,' Dr Park said. "A tailored approach may be needed when evaluating different subpopulations' diet quality." The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida. How to follow the MIND diet The MIND diet stands for Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. It combines the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, and was designed to target the health of the ageing brain - specifically dementia and Alzheimer's. It may also benefit heart health, diabetes and certain cancers. The MIND diet contains foods rich in certain vitamins, carotenoids, and flavonoids that are believed to protect the brain by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This includes lots of plant-based foods that are minimally processed and limited animal-based products, and those that are high in saturated fats and added sugars. The diet also recommends portion control, though not for weight loss. Broadly, the MIND diet has 10 food groups you should eat, and five to limit. The the 10 foods and drinks the MIND diet encourages are: Green, leafy vegetables (e.g. kale, spinach, broccoli) All other vegetables Berries (e.g. strawberries, blueberries) Nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts, pistachios) Olive oil Whole grains (e.g. oats, brown rice, quinoa) Fish (not fried) Beans (e.g. kidney, black, pinto) Poultry (e.g. chicken, turkey) Wine (red) It recommends limiting your intake of: Butter and margarine Cheese Red meat Fried food Pastries and sweets Overall, the MIND diet principles are: 3+ servings a day of whole grains 1+ servings a day of vegetables (other than green leafy) 6+ servings a week of green leafy vegetables 5+ servings a week of nuts 4+ meals a week of beans 2+ servings a week of berries 2+ meals a week of poultry 1+ meals a week of fish Mainly olive oil if added fat is used Reduction in foods which are higher in saturated and/or trans fat Limitation of alcohol and sugar-containing foods and drinks Source: British Association for Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine An estimated 982,000 people have dementia in the UK. This number is expected to rise to 1.4million by 2040. Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of the condition, is caused by a build-up of proteins called amyloids in the brain. Experts do not know exactly how this leads to the loss of brain cells, but research is continuing. Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty concentrating and finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks. Previous research has linked the MIND diet to a lower risk of cognitive decline, which can lead to dementia. Other ways to lower your risk include looking after your teeth, exercising and prioritising sleep. 2
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New changes coming to UH Mānoa campus roads
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Roadwork near the University of Hawaii at Mānoa campus begins on June 2, and people heading to campus in the fall will see quite a few changes including a driving lane reduction, new bike lanes and more crosswalks. The City and County of Honolulu's Complete Streets will begin improvements on Dole Street from St. Louis Drive and Lower Campus Road. Kaʻaʻawa collision leaves three in serious condition Over the winter break, crews laid down the new pavement in the area. 'Now it's time to put down the final striping and we're excited to announce we're going to be making some layout changes to the roadway,' said Renee Espiau, the City and County's Complete Streets Administrator said. 'We drafted them up and saw an opportunity to do new bike lanes from St. Louis Drive to campus and upgrade the bike lanes through the UH campus.' She said there was an overwhelming response for bike lanes and people wanted to bike to campus, but didn't feel safe sharing the order to add more space for bicycles, the four lanes of Dole Street will shrink between Lower Campus Road and East-West Road. 'Right now there's four lanes that run through campus, two lanes in each direction. We're going to be changing it to one lane in each direction with left-turn provisions,' Espiau said. 'So we don't anticipate any impacts to traffic on a normal basis, left turns are really what require that second lane.' She said the remaining space will become bike lane buffer. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'So it won't be immediately next to traveling vehicles anymore, there will be a little bit more space there and hopefully more comfortable for people who are biking in the area,' she added. There will be standard bike lanes between East-West Road and St. Louis Drive. The city says turn lanes will support traffic demands and traffic should not be impacted. According to city and county data, there have been over 40 injuries and one fatality on Dole Street between St. Louis Drive and University Avenue in the last 10 years. Big Island police investigating overnight shooting The fatality occurred on Dole and Donagho Road, and now a new crosswalk will be placed here as well as a pedestrian island. Another pedestrian crosswalk island will be added at Legacy Walk. 'We're also making some upgrades to vehicle lanes, too. We have some left turn provisions at Kanewai Street, so we're hoping to make things out there better for everybody, for pedestrians, people driving and people biking,' Espiau said. Hōkūleʻa's trans-Pacific voyage delayed Several parking spaces on the mauka side of Frank Street and St. Louis Drive will also be removed. The goal is to complete the project by early July, before the start of Fall semester. 'So we ask people to be careful, it is a construction site and if they have feedback on the new striping let us know, we can make adjustments if there are any issues,' she added. For more information on the Dole Street project, read the official plans here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Arts groups in Hawaii reeling from NEA funding cuts
RELATED PHOTO GALLERY Hundreds of nonprofit arts groups across the country, including those in Hawaii, received notice in May that their funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, previously granted, had now been withdrawn or terminated due to a shift in priorities. The cuts run deep, amounting to tens of millions of dollars. For the Asia Pacific Dance Festival, news of the withdrawal of $25, 000, about a quarter of its total budget, came just two weeks before it was scheduled to begin, according to Associate Director SheenRu Yong. She decided to move forward, as the two-week festival, which wraps up today, had been planned for the past year and a half. Attendees from all over the world had already registered, she said, and their plane tickets booked. 'The show absolutely must go on, ' Yong said. 'We know that as artists and as producers, but also more than anything it really strengthens our resolve to show that this is what the community wants and needs. Without the ability to share our story, our song, our dance, we lose a complete sense of who we are.' What stunned Yong is that the funds had already been offered after criteria were met through a competitive application process. The festival, hosted by the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Outreach College, has been held every two years since 2011. It brings together artists and dance traditions from across Asia, the Pacific and Hawaii through immersive workshops, lectures, performances and a three-day conference. The letter Yong received said the NEA was updating its grant-making policy priorities 'to focus funding on projects that reflect the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President.' 'Consequently, ' the letter said, 'we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities.' Priority shift What are the new priorities ? The NEA offered a list, including projects that elevate the nation's historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions. It also is prioritizing works that 'celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, foster AI competency, empower houses of worship to serve communities, assist with disaster recovery, foster skilled trade jobs, and make America healthy again.' Additionally, it is prioritizing projects that 'support the military and veterans, support tribal communities, make the District of Columbia safe and beautiful, and support the economic development of Asian American communities.' The longstanding Hawaii International Film Festival also received notice in early May that its NEA funding had been. HIFF has for years received between $25, 000 and $30, 000 annually from the NEA, according to Executive Director Beckie Stocchetti, but lost other federal funding as well, along with support from foundations and corporate sponsors also struggling with cuts. One after another, the losses have rolled in 'like a domino effect, ' she said, and HIFF this year is facing a budget deficit of 20 %, or about $200, 000. But HIFF, too, is committed to moving forward with its 45th Fall Festival in October and November. 'There are lots of contracts already signed, ' Stocchetti said, 'and ultimately, it's also about supporting the creatives we have here in Hawaii. It's about being in service to the community.' Stocchetti said she appealed the NEA decision but has yet to hear back and doesn't know when that will be. This year, HIFF also is launching an industry conference as part of the festival to support creative entrepreneurs and people in the film industry in Hawaii. The nonprofit additionally wants to continue free educational programs for students in Hawaii and free community screenings, along with initiatives to support emerging creatives and underrepresented voices. The reality, Stocchetti said, is that HIFF will have to restructure due to the NEA cuts, which is heartbreaking. 'It's even more reason why it's so important to show support for the film industry in Hawaii, ' she said. Both HIFF and the Asia Pacific Dance Festival are putting out a call for public support through tax-deductible donations. Stocchetti said the best way to do that is by becoming a or joining the Producer's Circle. NEA in Hawaii The NEA's Grants for Arts program provides $10, 000 to $100, 000 to applicants twice a year. The application process is highly competitive, with less than 10 % of total applicants awarded. In the past five years, the NEA distributed about $10.8 million in federal funding, directly or through state and regional partners, in Hawaii. The termination notices have had a chilling effect on the arts community across the U.S., said Christian Gaines, president and CEO of Creative West, a nonprofit regional arts group that represents Hawaii. 'These terminations impact community nonprofits of all sizes, from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, ' Gaines said. 'Institutions build their budgets around these grants months and sometimes years in advance.' Some groups may have already spent money they thought was guaranteed, and while projects may not necessarily be canceled, he expects many organizations will face significant financial challenges ahead. It is unknown exactly how many organizations in Hawaii have been affected by NEA terminations so far. Hawaii's major museums, including the Honolulu Museum of Art and Bishop Museum, and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, the island's premier performing arts venue, are all recipients of NEA funding. Some nonprofits that received NEA Grants for Arts funding in recent years include Honolulu Theatre for Youth, the Hawaii Youth Symphony Association and Maui's Hui No 'eau Visual Arts Center, which received funding to support an arts program for elementary school students. Other NEA grantees include the Moanalua Gardens Foundation, which puts on the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival. State of the arts The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, which disburses funds to dozens of local arts groups and underserved communities, has received the largest amount, with $912, 500 awarded this fiscal year. By law, SFCA is mandated to receive 40 % of federal grant dollars Congress provides to the NEA for Hawaii. Foundation Executive Director Karen Ewald said she normally would have received an NEA partnership agreement for fiscal year 2026 by now, but is still waiting for it. 'As of now we're hopeful that because it's a congressional mandate, that we will be receiving these funds, ' she said. 'But we haven't gotten that yet. We're cautiously optimistic but also just devastated over the arts and cultural organizations in the state that have had funds withdrawn or terminated.' At the same time, Ewald said SFCA is bracing for cuts in state funding for core programs if a legislative bill——is signed by Gov. Josh Green. The SFCA and Hawaii Arts Alliance are urging the governor to veto it. Besides providing grants to local arts groups, the SFCA runs the Artists in Schools program that pairs an artist with a public or charter school to bring creative learning experiences to kindergarten through 12th grade classes. It also runs the Art in Public Places program, which acquires and displays artwork in state-owned buildings and other public spaces. Bipartisan support The NEA was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent federal agency, along with the National Endowment for the Humanities. President Donald Trump called for eliminating the NEA in a for fiscal year 2026, along with the National Endowment for the Humanities and Institute of Museum and Library Services. During his first term, Trump also wanted to eliminate the NEA but Congress pushed back and it did not happen. NEA funds have historically had bipartisan support, according to Gaines, and boost economic production by attracting private investment. 'They improve economic outcomes, foster cohesion, facilitate good health, and advance cherished heritages and traditions for future generations, ' he said. The U.S. Regional Arts Organizations in a joint statement urged Congress to restore the canceled funds. 'Since its inception, the NEA has played a critical role in broadening access to the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of the arts in every Congressional District, ' the statement said. 'In fact, federal arts funds support thousands of communities across the nation, including 678 counties that private foundations do not reach.' This work, RAO said, is funded by just 0.004 % of the federal budget—less than 62 cents per American per year. In Hawaii, HIFF brings in hundreds of guests and filmmakers from all over the world, Stocchetti said, including Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Los Angeles, New York, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The Asia Pacific Dance Festival fosters cross-cultural dialogue, human connection and creative expression, according to Yong. This year, the festival invited the Arzoo Dance Theatre from Canada, specializing in kathak, or classical Indian dance, along with Rako Pasefika, a collective from Fiji. The host halau is Pua Ali 'i 'Ilima under the direction of Gish Prize winner and kumu hula Vicky Holt Takamine. 'By bringing together these three different resident artists, we're able to create this amazing exchange of storytelling and co-learning, ' Yong said. 'Artists all take each other's classes, as well, so the artists are in classes with the students. So it's this amazing coming together of culture and expertise and traditions.' Seeing that magic over the past two weeks, Yong said she is even more determined to keep the festival going. Asia Pacific Dance Festival Arts in Hawaii
