This Diet May Cut Dementia Risk by Nearly 30%, Study Finds
- pradeep
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Following an anti-inflammatory diet may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, including among older adults who already show biological signs associated with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new long-term study.
The research suggests that eating patterns rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and healthy fats may support brain health even when blood tests indicate an increased underlying risk of neurodegeneration. (JAMA Network)
Nearly 1,900 Older Adults Studied
Researchers analysed data from 1,865 dementia-free adults aged 60 and above who participated in the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care.
The participants’ dietary habits were assessed over time, while blood samples were examined for markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease and nerve-cell damage. The group was followed for up to 15 years to identify who later developed dementia. (JAMA Network)
Dementia Risk Was 21% to 29% Lower
Participants who followed healthier dietary patterns had a lower risk of developing dementia.
Greater adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet was associated with an estimated 21% to 29% reduction in dementia risk, with particularly notable benefits among people who had elevated blood biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s pathology or neurodegeneration. (EatingWell)
The findings do not mean that diet can completely prevent Alzheimer’s disease. However, they suggest that healthier food choices may help delay or reduce the likelihood of clinical dementia developing.
What Is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?
An anti-inflammatory eating pattern generally prioritises:
Fruits and vegetables
Berries and leafy greens
Beans, lentils and other legumes
Whole grains
Nuts and seeds
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Olive oil and other unsaturated fats
It limits foods associated with chronic inflammation, including ultra-processed products, processed meats, refined carbohydrates, excessive sugar and foods high in saturated fat. (EatingWell)
Blood Tests Revealed Early Biological Risk
Researchers measured biomarkers including p-tau217, which is associated with Alzheimer’s-related changes, along with neurofilament light and GFAP, which can indicate nerve-cell injury and inflammation.
Among participants with higher levels of these markers, the anti-inflammatory diet showed the clearest association with reduced dementia risk. (JAMA Network)
This suggests that dietary habits may remain relevant even after disease-related biological changes have begun but before noticeable dementia symptoms appear.
Mediterranean Diet Also Showed Benefits
The study also examined Mediterranean-style and broader healthy-eating patterns.
These diets were associated with a reduced risk among some participants, particularly those with lower biomarker levels. However, the anti-inflammatory pattern appeared to offer stronger protection among those already showing greater biological vulnerability. (JAMA Network)
Study Does Not Prove Cause and Effect
The researchers cautioned that the study was observational. It found an association between diet and dementia risk but could not prove that food choices directly prevented the condition.
Dietary information was partly self-reported, and other lifestyle factors such as exercise, education, income, sleep and access to healthcare may also influence brain health. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm the findings. (JAMA Network)
People concerned about memory loss or dementia risk should seek medical advice rather than relying on dietary changes alone.
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