DIET PERKS

Consuming seafood, fruit and nuts could reduce the risk of developing dementia

EATING a ‘Mediterranean-like diet’ can lower the risk of developing dementia by up to 23%, according to new research.

The groundbreaking study, published in the BMC Medicine journal, shows people who kept to a diet rich in foods like seafood, fruit and nuts, had a much reduced risk of developing the condition.

A Newcastle University team analysed data from 60,298 individuals from the UK who had provided

By Anthony Piovesan

information about what they ate.

The scientists scored people based on how closely their diet matched the key features of a Mediterranean one and followed those involved for almost a decade.

The team took into account each individual’s genetic risk for dementia too.

BENEFICIAL: A Mediterranean diet is good for health

Dr Oliver Shannon said: “Finding ways to reduce our risk of developing dementia is a major priority for researchers and clinicians.

Dementia risk

A COMMON irregular heartbeat condition known as atrial fibrillation (A-fib) may increase the risk of demen tia, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that people newly diagnosed with A-fib had a 13% higher risk of developing dementia. The risk was even higher (65%) among those who developed a-fib before age 65, and in people who did not have chronic kidney disease (20%), the University of Washington study found.

The best way to avoid developing A-fib is to maintain a normal weight and blood pressure, avoid sleep apnea, get plenty of exercise and eat a healthy diet.

“Our study suggests that eating a more Mediterranean-like diet could be one strategy to help individuals lower their risk of dementia.”

John Mathers, Professor of Human Nutrition, added: “The good news from this study is that, even for those with higher genetic risk, having a better diet reduced the likelihood of developing dementia. “Although more research is needed in this area, this strengthens the public health message that we can all help to reduce our risk of dementia by eating a more Mediterranean-like diet.”