Demi
Tue, Sep-03-13, 08:53
From the Independent
London, UK
3 September, 2013
Mediterranean diet may reduce dementia risk
Eating a Mediterranean diet is good for the mind, research has concluded.
Scientists say people who eat large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and olive oil have a lower risk of age-related diseases such as dementia.
The research, by the University of Exeter's Medical School, is the first systematic review of previous studies into the diet's benefits to the brain.
It comes after research last month showed the same diet could help counteract a genetic risk of strokes.
The team, supported by the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care in the South West Peninsula, analysed 12 eligible pieces of research, 11 observational studies and one randomised control trial.
In nine of the 12 studies, a higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with better cognitive function, lower rates of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.
However, results for mild cognitive impairment - the stage before Alzheimer's or dementia, when someone could be experiencing some cognitive difficulties - were inconsistent.
Lead researcher Iliana Lourida said: "Mediterranean food is both delicious and nutritious, and our systematic review shows it may help to protect the ageing brain by reducing the risk of dementia.
"While the link between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and dementia risk is not new, ours is the first study to systematically analyse all existing evidence."
She added: "Our review also highlights inconsistencies in the literature and the need for further research. In particular research is needed to clarify the association with mild cognitive impairment and vascular dementia.
"It is also important to note that while observational studies provide suggestive evidence we now need randomised, controlled trials to confirm whether or not adherence to a Mediterranean diet protects against dementia." http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mediterranean-diet-may-reduce-dementia-risk-8796419.html
Is adherence to a Mediterranean diet associated with cognitive function and dementia?
Is adherence to a Mediterranean diet associated with cognitive function and dementia?
Relationships between diet and physical health are well recognized as are the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet on the risk of various chronic diseases and longevity. Dietary patterns, as opposed to individual nutrients or foods, are an emerging area of research in recent years. It is believed that dietary patterns can reflect dietary behaviours of individuals more spherically, as they combine foods which in turn may have synergistic or antagonistic effects on health.
The traditional Mediterranean diet refers to an eating behaviour characterised by 1) high intake of fruits, 2) vegetables, 3) cereals and 4) legumes, 5) low consumption of saturated fats with olive oil as the main source of fat, 6) moderate consumption of fish, 7) low to moderate intake of dairy products (in the form of yogurt and cheese), 8) low consumption of red meat and meat products and 9) moderate amount of alcohol , especially wine, usually consumed during meals. Such a multi-nutrient approach includes most of the components studied in relation to cognitive decline and incident dementia. Thus, it is reasonable to believe that adherence to a Mediterranean diet may be protective against cognitive decline and dementia, while it may also prove useful in the management of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies often observed in dementia patients and elderly people. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate and determine the potential association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and cognitive function and dementia.
PROTOCOL (http://clahrc-peninsula.nihr.ac.uk/includes/site/files/files/PHD%20documents/mediterranean%20protocol.pdf)
KEY TEAM MEMBERS:
Iliana Lourida
David Llewelyn
Jo Thompson Coon
http://clahrc-peninsula.nihr.ac.uk/is-adherence-to-a-mediterranean-diet-associated-with-cognitive-function-and-dementia.php
London, UK
3 September, 2013
Mediterranean diet may reduce dementia risk
Eating a Mediterranean diet is good for the mind, research has concluded.
Scientists say people who eat large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish and olive oil have a lower risk of age-related diseases such as dementia.
The research, by the University of Exeter's Medical School, is the first systematic review of previous studies into the diet's benefits to the brain.
It comes after research last month showed the same diet could help counteract a genetic risk of strokes.
The team, supported by the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care in the South West Peninsula, analysed 12 eligible pieces of research, 11 observational studies and one randomised control trial.
In nine of the 12 studies, a higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with better cognitive function, lower rates of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.
However, results for mild cognitive impairment - the stage before Alzheimer's or dementia, when someone could be experiencing some cognitive difficulties - were inconsistent.
Lead researcher Iliana Lourida said: "Mediterranean food is both delicious and nutritious, and our systematic review shows it may help to protect the ageing brain by reducing the risk of dementia.
"While the link between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and dementia risk is not new, ours is the first study to systematically analyse all existing evidence."
She added: "Our review also highlights inconsistencies in the literature and the need for further research. In particular research is needed to clarify the association with mild cognitive impairment and vascular dementia.
"It is also important to note that while observational studies provide suggestive evidence we now need randomised, controlled trials to confirm whether or not adherence to a Mediterranean diet protects against dementia." http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mediterranean-diet-may-reduce-dementia-risk-8796419.html
Is adherence to a Mediterranean diet associated with cognitive function and dementia?
Is adherence to a Mediterranean diet associated with cognitive function and dementia?
Relationships between diet and physical health are well recognized as are the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet on the risk of various chronic diseases and longevity. Dietary patterns, as opposed to individual nutrients or foods, are an emerging area of research in recent years. It is believed that dietary patterns can reflect dietary behaviours of individuals more spherically, as they combine foods which in turn may have synergistic or antagonistic effects on health.
The traditional Mediterranean diet refers to an eating behaviour characterised by 1) high intake of fruits, 2) vegetables, 3) cereals and 4) legumes, 5) low consumption of saturated fats with olive oil as the main source of fat, 6) moderate consumption of fish, 7) low to moderate intake of dairy products (in the form of yogurt and cheese), 8) low consumption of red meat and meat products and 9) moderate amount of alcohol , especially wine, usually consumed during meals. Such a multi-nutrient approach includes most of the components studied in relation to cognitive decline and incident dementia. Thus, it is reasonable to believe that adherence to a Mediterranean diet may be protective against cognitive decline and dementia, while it may also prove useful in the management of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies often observed in dementia patients and elderly people. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate and determine the potential association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and cognitive function and dementia.
PROTOCOL (http://clahrc-peninsula.nihr.ac.uk/includes/site/files/files/PHD%20documents/mediterranean%20protocol.pdf)
KEY TEAM MEMBERS:
Iliana Lourida
David Llewelyn
Jo Thompson Coon
http://clahrc-peninsula.nihr.ac.uk/is-adherence-to-a-mediterranean-diet-associated-with-cognitive-function-and-dementia.php