NEW YORK, Feb 6: A recent study conducted by researchers from Rush University in Chicago has proposed that adhering to the Mediterranean diet may help maintain cognitive sharpness in old age, even in individuals displaying signs of dementia. The findings shed light on the potential benefits of this dietary pattern in combating cognitive decline associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

The research, based on data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project spanning from 1997 to 2022 with up to 24 years of follow-up, analyzed 586 participants with an average age of 91 at the time of death. Participants' cognitive function was evaluated annually using a battery of 19 tests, with a cognitive score assessed less than a year before their demise.

The study revealed that individuals who adhered to a Mediterranean diet and maintained other healthy lifestyle factors, such as abstaining from smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and engaging in regular exercise, exhibited better cognitive function nearing the end of their lives. This positive association was further bolstered by autopsy data indicating that participants' brains, despite displaying signs of Alzheimer's pathology, demonstrated some degree of protection against cognitive decline due to their healthy lifestyle choices.

Published in the journal JAMA Neurology, the study underscores the potential neuroprotective effects of the Mediterranean diet, characterized by a rich consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil. Known for its balanced composition and satiety-inducing properties, the Mediterranean diet may help mitigate obesity-related vascular issues that can adversely affect brain function.

The Mediterranean diet has garnered widespread recognition as a gold-standard eating regimen, with numerous studies highlighting its health-promoting benefits. Recent research suggests that adopting this dietary pattern, even later in life, can extend longevity and improve overall health outcomes. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors in preserving cognitive health amidst the challenges posed by conditions like dementia, including Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia, which collectively impact millions of individuals worldwide.