Mediterranean diet good for mind, lowers dementia and Alzheimer’s risk

It's official: A Mediterranean diet typically of people in Spain, Greece, and southern Italy is good for preserving your grandma and grandpa's rapidly aging brain.

Known for being chock-full of nuts, oils, whole grains, fresh produce, seeds and fish, the Mediterranean diet has been getting much praise recently. Various studies have pointed to its benefit in reducing stroke, heart disease and diabetes, and now, a review of more 12 previous studies suggests it can ward off dementia and Alzheimer's.

Also see: Mediterranean diet may lower stroke risk for some, study says

The study review, published in the journal Epidemiology, confirms that the diet is
associated with better cognitive function, lower rates of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.

However, researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School in the U.K. note that the results for mild cognitive impairment -- the stage before Alzheimer's or dementia, associated with minor cognitive difficulties -- were inconsistent.

Also see: Does this diet help protect brain power?

"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," says lead researcher Iliana Lourida. "While the link between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and dementia risk is not new, ours is the first study to systematically analyze all existing evidence."

Previous research has independently linked olive oil, common in Mediterranean food, with a reduced risk of heart disease. And lycopene in tomatoes has also been proven to protect against prostate cancer.