Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Dementia Risk for High-Risk Individuals
A recent study highlights the potential of the Mediterranean diet to mitigate genetic risks associated with dementia, particularly for individuals carrying the apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) variant. This research, which analyzed data from over 5,700 participants over a span of 34 years, found significant links between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a reduced likelihood of developing dementia.
The findings show that participants with two copies of the APOE4 variant, known to increase Alzheimer’s disease risk by as much as 12-fold, experienced a 35% reduction in dementia risk when they closely followed the Mediterranean dietary guidelines. In contrast, those with one or no copies of the APOE4 variant observed only modest benefits, with a risk reduction of about 5%.
Details of the Study
Researchers, led by Yuxi Liu, PhD, a research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, investigated the metabolic profiles of individuals across different genetic risk groups. Previous studies indicate that the APOE4 variant affects lipid metabolism, leading to the accumulation of certain fats in the brain, which can trigger inflammation and increase dementia risk.
Dr. Liu and her team focused on the differences in metabolic outcomes between participants with varying APOE4 statuses. Their analysis suggests that the Mediterranean diet may provide essential nutrients that counteract these metabolic disruptions. This finding is particularly significant, as individuals cannot change their genetic makeup but can choose their dietary habits.
Implications for Precision Nutrition
This study challenges the long-held belief that those with the highest genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease have limited options to prevent cognitive decline. The research underscores the importance of dietary choices and points towards the potential of “precision nutrition,” where dietary recommendations could be tailored to an individual’s genetic profile.
While the specific components of the Mediterranean diet that contribute to these benefits are still under investigation, the general guidelines emphasize the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while reducing red and processed meats and alcohol.
Previous research has also suggested that older adults adhering to a variant of the Mediterranean diet known as the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) experienced slower aging and a decreased likelihood of developing dementia over a 14-year period. Moreover, other large-scale studies have pointed to the risk-reducing properties of the Mediterranean diet, particularly in women.
Dr. Liu’s enthusiasm for future dietary research highlights a promising direction in the field of diet and dementia prevention. As the science of nutrition advances, tailored dietary interventions may become a crucial part of strategies aimed at reducing dementia risk for individuals based on their genetic backgrounds.
