Study: Mediterranean Diet Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Based on the article “Mediterranean diet reduces risk of Alzheimer's disease, study concludes” on wikinews.org

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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Given the positive results discussed in our article on how a Mediterranean diet benefits rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, it was not surprising to learn that this same diet also reduces risk for another disease. The article below discusses the benefits related to Alzheimer's disease -- an affliction that can manifest in any adult, but is especially prevalent among senior citizens. –Don Rose

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Overview

U.S. scientists analyzed the health and eating patterns of 2,258 study participants and found a link between a Mediterranean diet (MD) and a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia.

Details

Participants were scored on their use of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals and fish (which were considered beneficial in this study), as well as dairy products and meat (which were considered detrimental to the subjects’ health). Moderate fat and alcohol intake was also considered part of a typical MD. Potential statistical confounders ("hidden" variables that might affect or distort results) -- such as age, sex, ethnicity, education, Apo E genotype, caloric intake and body mass index -- were taken into account.

Conclusion

"This large study in a leading journal adds to the growing weight of evidence that diet and lifestyle are very important risk factors for Alzheimer's disease" was the reaction of Professor Clive Ballard of the Alzheimer's Society.

Sources

Rob Stein, "Mediterranean diet could limit Alzheimer's". The Washington Post, October 14, 2006.

"Med diet 'reduces dementia risk'". BBC News Online, April 17, 2006.

Scarmeas N, Stern Y, Tang MX, Mayeux R, Luchsinger JA. Mediterranean diet and risk for Alzheimer's disease. Ann Neurol, 2006; 59 (6): 912-21. PubMed.

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Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on computers, the Internet, AI, science and technology, and issues related to seniors. He is also the Editor In Chief of The LA Report.

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