A recent study suggests that adopting an anti-inflammatory diet could substantially reduce the risk of developing dementia, particularly for individuals with a higher predisposition to cognitive decline.
The research, conducted by scientists at the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care, followed nearly 2,000 adults over the age of 60 who did not have dementia for 15 years. Participants' dietary patterns were assessed based on three distinct diets: the Alternate Mediterranean Diet (AMED), the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), and the reversed Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Index (rEDII), which specifically measures the impact of food intake on inflammation.
At the conclusion of the study, investigators observed that among participants identified as being at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease, only adherence to the rEDII protocol demonstrated a significant reduction in dementia risk. This finding highlights the potential importance of focusing on anti-inflammatory foods for prevention in susceptible individuals.
Emily Case, a registered dietitian at Northwell Health, affirmed that an anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial for both preventing and slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. She noted that while established eating plans like the DASH and Mediterranean diets have been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce dementia risk, the latest research points to an anti-inflammatory approach as being key for those with a genetic predisposition.
Inflammation is a known contributor to oxidative stress, a process that accelerates aging and is linked to chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and diabetes. Case explained this by likening inflammation to a bodily bonfire, with diet playing a role in either intensifying or dampening it. "That's something that we need to keep in mind when we choose the foods that we do to eat," she said.
To prioritize anti-inflammatory foods, Case recommends incorporating antioxidant-rich berries, dark leafy greens, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and walnuts. She also emphasized the importance of fiber from sources such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, alongside healthy fats found in avocados, olive oil, and nuts. "Anything that improves our heart health will also reduce inflammation in our body," Case stated.
For individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease, Case stressed the critical role of dietary choices and lifestyle optimization. "The biggest thing people with a family history of Alzheimer's disease can do is really change their diet and lifestyle, or at least optimize it. We can really change the path of where our brain health goes based on what we eat," she explained.
Beyond nutrition, Case also advises prioritizing sleep and reducing the consumption of red meat and meals high in saturated fat. She suggested that optimizing one's diet and lifestyle can help extend the period of good health. While acknowledging that cognitive decline cannot be reversed, she believes that thoughtful eating can help improve symptoms and prevent more aggressive progression of the disease.
Dementia affects approximately one in 10 older adults in the United States, with new cases projected to double by 2060. The economic impact is substantial, with dementia estimated to cost the U.S. $781 billion in 2025 and contributing to over 100,000 deaths annually.