4 Epidemiological (population-based) studies add further proof that what we eat matters for preserving our brains and lowering risk of Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Decline.
- The “Prudent” Nordic Diet appears better than the MIND, Mediterranean or DASH diets in lowering risk of cognitive decline in 2,200 elderly Swedes. (read more)
- Heart Healthy Diet is also Brain Healthy: Results of Health and Retirement Study show eating foods typical of both Mediterranean and MIND diets appear to lower risk of cognitive problems in 6000 older healthy adults by 30-35%. read more
- US-based Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) shows similar results in 7,000 older women. read more
- An Inflammatory Nutrient Pattern (INP) appears to be associated with smaller brain grey matter volumes and poorer executive speed according to a pilot study at Columbia University. This study of 332 older adults combined brain scans, inflammation measures, and cognitive testing with dietary information. read more
Note: none of these are clinical trials. Next step is to fund the more expensive clinical studies to “prove” which nutrition programs are the “best” to preserve brain health.
Also note: the key role that women appear to be playing in research on brain healthy lifestyles, especially nutrition. For instance, all 4 of the lead researchers in these 4 studies are women. All have a PhD and Dr. Xu is also a MD.
