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MIND Diet Guards Brain Arteries, Fights Decline
25 Sep
Summary
- MIND diet linked to healthier brain blood vessels.
- Diet adherence correlated with larger brain size.
- MIND diet supports cognitive function independently.
A well-known brain-healthy eating plan, the MIND diet, appears to protect against cognitive decline and dementia by safeguarding the arteries within the brain. New research published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia reveals that individuals following the MIND diet had healthier blood vessels in their brains.
This vascular health improvement was associated with larger brain sizes and better performance on cognitive assessments. Lead researcher Puja Agarwal highlighted that these positive effects remained significant even after controlling for other lifestyle factors, suggesting diet's independent role.
The study involved over 700 seniors who completed diet questionnaires, cognitive tests, and MRI scans. The MIND diet, a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, emphasizes foods beneficial for both brain and heart health, including leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains.
Results indicated that closer adherence to the MIND diet correlated with lower levels of cerebral small vessel disease and healthier brain structures. This protective effect on small brain blood vessels, shown through MRI scans, was linked to larger brain volumes and fewer signs of white matter scarring associated with dementia.
Researchers emphasize that adopting parts of the MIND diet gradually can still benefit brain health. Increasing intake of recommended foods like leafy greens and berries, while reducing consumption of items such as fried foods, butter, and pastries, can contribute to better long-term cognitive well-being.
