A new study suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet could help lower the risk of dementia, even for people with genetic predispositions. The diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low in red and processed meats, was linked to slower cognitive decline over a 30-year period.
Genetic Risks and Diet’s Protective Role
One of the strongest genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease is the APOE4 gene variant. Carrying one copy triples the risk, while two copies increase it up to 12 times. However, researchers found that people with two copies of APOE4 benefited most from adhering to a Mediterranean diet.
The study tracked over 5,600 participants, monitoring long-term dietary habits, blood samples, genetic data, and cognitive testing. It found that dietary patterns could influence metabolic pathways in ways that protect brain health, even in those genetically predisposed to dementia.
Although the research focused on a largely well-educated European-ancestry population, the findings highlight the potential for diet to offset genetic risk. Experts suggest integrating genetic and metabolite testing into clinical assessments and exploring personalized interventions through nutrition to reduce dementia risk in the future.
