Research: A better diet reduces the risk of developing dementia

A new study led by Slovenian researcher Anja Mrhar has found that higher-quality diets can reduce the risk of developing dementia, even among individuals with increased biological risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases. The research, published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open, highlights the potential role of nutrition in healthy aging and the prevention of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Mrhar, who conducted the work during her academic training at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, is listed as the lead author of the study. The study followed nearly 1,865 older adults without dementia over almost 15 years, examining how different dietary patterns were associated with the onset of the condition. One of its key features was the investigation into the relationship between diet quality and dementia risk specifically among individuals whose blood biomarkers indicated elevated biological risk for Alzheimer’s disease or other neurodegenerative processes. This marks the first time such a connection has been explored in this specific group. According to the findings, better-quality diets were linked to a lower risk of developing dementia. Among participants with higher biological risk, the strongest associations were observed with dietary patterns characterized by lower inflammatory potential. These results suggest that targeted preventive strategies could be developed based on dietary interventions, particularly for high-risk populations. However, researchers emphasized that the study is observational in nature, meaning it does not prove that diet prevents dementia but rather underscores the importance of nutrition in reducing risk. The research has already attracted international attention, according to the Faculty of Biotechnology at the University of Ljubljana. Upon publication, the journal commissioned expert commentary from renowned researchers in the field of nutrition from Harvard University and the University of Athens, who highlighted the significance of these findings for future studies on dementia prevention. Anja Mrhar, currently a doctoral student at the Faculty of Biotechnology, conducted the research while completing her academic qualifications at the Karolinska Institute, one of Europe’s leading medical universities. Her work builds upon previous studies that have suggested a link between diet and cognitive health, but this study provides more detailed insights into how specific dietary components might influence risk in vulnerable groups. The study’s methodology involved long-term monitoring of participants' dietary habits and health outcomes. Researchers assessed diet quality using established nutritional scoring systems, which take into account factors such as intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while minimizing consumption of processed foods and sugars. These scores were then correlated with the incidence of dementia over the follow-up period. In addition to identifying overall links between diet quality and dementia risk, the study revealed that certain dietary patterns, particularly those with lower inflammatory properties, were especially protective for individuals with known biological markers of risk. Inflammation has increasingly been recognized as a factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, making this finding particularly relevant for future therapeutic approaches. Researchers caution that while the study provides compelling evidence, further clinical trials are needed to confirm whether modifying dietary habits can directly impact dementia risk. They also stress the need for personalized approaches, given that individual responses to dietary changes may vary based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The study adds to a growing body of scientific literature suggesting that lifestyle choices, including diet, play a crucial role in brain health. It also aligns with broader public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthier eating habits to support aging populations. As the global prevalence of dementia continues to rise, understanding modifiable risk factors becomes increasingly vital for both prevention and treatment efforts.