People who are genetically prone to Alzheimer’s but closely follow a Mediterranean diet can reduce their risk of dementia by up to 35%, this according to a new study. The research, led by Yuxi Liu, a research fellow in medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, was published in the prestigious journal Nature on August 25.
The study, conducted with some 5,700 people over 34 years, found that strictly adhering to a Mediterranean diet—low in alcohol and processed foods and rich in vegetables—significantly lowered the risk of dementia. Participants with two copies of the APOE4 gene, which is strongly linked to a higher likelihood of developing dementia, saw an even greater benefit, with their risk reduced by 35%. The findings suggest that even for those with genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices such as diet can dramatically reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, potentially improving the lives of millions worldwide.
Dementia affects more than 55 million people globally. According to the World Health Organization, Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and may cause 60-70% of cases. While there is no cure, prompt diagnosis of the condition can make it more manageable, especially in its early stages.Alzheimer's disease is usually diagnosed by a doctor based on the symptoms exhibited by the patient, such as forgetfulness and losing track of time. However, a new blood test that looks for proteins associated with the disease has been developed with 91% accuracy in those experiencing mild symptoms.
The test hasn't yet been approved for routine clinical use, but the initial results are very promising.
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