Mediterranean Diet and Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Read full paper →- Authors
- Cinta Valls‐Pedret, Aleix Sala‐Vila, Mercè Serra‐Mir, Dolores Corella, Rafael de la Torre, Miguel Ángel Martínez‐González, Elena H. Martínez‐Lapiscina, Montserrat Fitó, Ana Pérez-Heras, Jordi Salas‐Salvadó, Ramón Estruch, Emilio Ros
- Journal
- JAMA Internal Medicine
- Year
- 2015
- Citations
- 892
TL;DR
Following a Mediterranean diet supplemented with either extra-virgin olive oil or mixed nuts for over six years significantly improved cognitive function and reduced the risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia in older adults at high cardiovascular risk, suggesting a powerful dietary strategy for brain health.
What they tested
This study investigated whether a long-term adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), particularly when enriched with specific healthy fats, could protect against age-related cognitive decline. The researchers compared three different dietary approaches:
1. **Mediterranean Diet supplemented with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO):** Participants in this group received advice on following a traditional MedDiet and were provided with 1 liter of extra-virgin olive oil per week. The MedDiet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole