Sunday, May 02, 2010

Mediterranean Diet Improves Brain Power

Following a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of cognitive decline with older age, according to results of an ongoing prospective study, the Chicago Health and Aging Project, which was presented at the Experimental Biology 2010 Meeting on April 26.

Researchers followed nearly 4,000 study participants aged 65 and older who were given a battery of cognitive tests that were assigned scores and then a clinical interview. Those who ranked in the highest in terms of following such a Mediterranean-type diet were more protected from cognitive decline. The adults were given these cognitive tests every three years for 15 years.

“This diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil, lower meat consumption, and moderate wine and non-refined grain intake,” said lead author Dr. Christy Tangney of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. “Instead of espousing avoidance of foods, the data support that adults over age 65 should look to include more olive oil, legumes, nuts, and seeds in their diet in order to improve their recall times and other cognitive skills, such as identifying symbols and numbers.”

Sources:

* Experimental Biology 2010: Eating Like the Greeks Can Improve Brain Power

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