A new study shows that an anti-inflammatory diet with more fruits, vegetables and legumes could significantly reduce the risk of dementia. Since inflammation within the immune system increases with age, such a diet could be the right preventive measure. In addition, according to the study authors, such diet plans couldBrain agingcounteract effectively.
Improve cognitive function through anti-inflammatory diet
Diet is a lifestyle factor that can be changed with a little effort and can therefore help combat inflammation. In this way, the biological pathways that lead to the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment later in life could be reduced. In the present research work, the team examined 1,059 people with an average age of 73 years who did not have dementia. Each person answered questions about dietary intake. Foods consumed included dairy products, grains, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, legumes, added fats, alcoholic beverages, and sweets. A possible nutritional value of inflammation can range from -8.87 to 7.98. Higher values indicate a more inflammatory diet that includes fewer portions of fruit, vegetables, beans and tea or coffee.
The researchers followed each person for an average of three years. Over the course of the study, 62 people, or 6%, developed dementia. Those who developed dementia had average scores of -0.06, compared to average scores of -0.70 for study participants who did not develop cognitive illness. Each one-point increase in dietary score was associated with a 21% increased risk of dementia. Compared to the bottom third of participants who ate the least inflammatory diet, those in the top third were three times more likely to develop dementia. The study results could, in turn, help develop tailored and more precise dietary recommendations and other strategies to maintain cognitive health.This studyhowever, was an observational study and not clinical research. Additionally, there is no evidence that an anti-inflammatory diet can completely reverse brain aging and dementia.
