Researchers at Columbia University in the US found that healthier eating is associated with a lower risk of dementia and death, as well as slower biological aging. The results of the study are presented in the preprint catalogue. medRxiv and is considered preliminary before publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
The authors used data from the Framingham Heart Study, which included three generations of people. After excluding ineligible participants, the final sample included 1,525 people with a mean age of 69.7 years. DunedinPACE was used to estimate their biological age.
Participants who followed healthier diets at older ages had lower rates of biological aging at baseline and a lower risk of dementia. A faster baseline aging rate also increased the risk of all-cause mortality.
A healthy diet reduced the risk of death and slowed biological aging. The link between diet and aging was stronger among regular smokers than among those who never smoked.
People who adhered more to dietary recommendations were older, married, smoked less, were more active, more educated, and had a lower body mass index (BMI). During the observation period, 129 people were diagnosed with dementia and 432 people died.
Findings from animal studies have shown that biological processes associated with a healthier diet and lower risk of dementia include a reduction in signs of aging: oxidative stress and inflammation.
ancient scientists to solveWhich diet can reduce the risk of heart disease.