The Mediterranean Diet and Cognitive Health in Older Adults: A Summary of Recent Findings
Researchers from the University of Barcelona have observed a link between adherence to a Mediterranean eating pattern and a reduced rate of cognitive decline in older adults. The study was documented in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.
The investigation followed 840 participants aged 65 and over for twelve years. It examined how blood markers associated with the Mediterranean diet change as people adopt this dietary pattern. Key measurements included levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenol metabolites, and other compounds that typically rise when this diet is followed. The Mediterranean approach emphasizes fewer red meats, added sugars, and processed foods, while increasing intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits, grains, dairy, and fish rich in healthy fats.
Those with the highest biomarker scores indicative of Mediterranean-diet adherence showed a notably slower decline in cognitive function compared with peers on other diets. While prior research linked the diet to better cognitive performance in older adults, this study stands out for its objective assessment using blood-based biomarkers rather than relying on self-reported questionnaires.
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