Research presented at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida, has revealed that the MIND diet may be associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 93,000 U.S. adults, indicates that following the MIND eating plan — a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets — significantly lessens the likelihood of cognitive decline in later life.
Dr. Song-Yi Park, associate professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, emphasized that the findings underscore the potential preventive role of dietary patterns in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The participants, who ranged in age from 45 to 75 at the start of the study, were followed over time to observe the impact of long-term adherence to the MIND diet. The results showed that the longer the participants stuck to the diet, the greater the reduction in dementia risk, with those who maintained it for a decade showing a 25% lower risk compared to those who did not follow it.
Key to the MIND diet is the focus on brain-healthy foods, such as leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, and olive oil, which are believed to provide vital nutrients like flavonoids, carotenoids, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. These nutrients are thought to support brain function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, the diet also highlights the importance of limiting processed foods, refined sugars, red meat, fried foods, and high-fat dairy products, which are linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline.
While the study found overall reductions in dementia risk, the benefits were not uniform across all demographic groups. African American, Latino, and White participants showed a 13% lower risk, while Asian-Americans and native Hawaiians did not exhibit the same level of benefit. This discrepancy highlights the need for further research to understand how different populations may respond to dietary interventions. Nutrition expert Lauren Harris-Pincus, a registered dietitian and author of “The Everything Easy Pre-Diabetes Cookbook,” noted that the MIND diet is unique in its focus on cognitive health, making it a potentially valuable tool for preventing dementia. She emphasized that the diet’s emphasis on plant-based foods and nutrient-dense ingredients offers a holistic approach to brain preservation, even as people age.
Despite these promising findings, some healthcare professionals have expressed cautious optimism, particularly about the role of red meat in increasing dementia risk. The study’s conclusions align with broader trends in dietary research that increasingly link long-term adherence to healthy eating plans with reduced incidence of chronic diseases, including cognitive decline. The implications of this research may extend beyond individual dietary choices, encouraging public health initiatives that promote nutrition as a preventive measure for neurodegenerative conditions.
As the global population ages, the search for effective strategies to prevent dementia has become increasingly urgent. The MIND diet’s potential as a preventive tool adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that lifestyle factors, particularly diet, play a significant role in cognitive health. While the study’s authors do not claim to have a definitive solution, they stress that adopting a healthy diet in mid to late life can make a meaningful difference in reducing the risk of dementia, reinforcing the importance of nutrition in maintaining cognitive function over time.