Mediterranean diet adherence and cognitive function in older UK adults: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk) Study

Year Published: 2019

Am J Clin Nutr

Oliver M Shannon Blossom C M Stephan Antoneta Granic Marleen Lentjes Shabina Hayat Angela Mulligan Carol Brayne Kay-Tee Khaw Rafe Bundy Sarah Aldred Michael Hornberger Stella-Maria Paddick Graciela Muniz-Tererra Anne-Marie Minihane John C Mathers Mario Siervo

This UK study examined 8,009 older adults who provided dietary data and looked at the relationship between Mediterranean Diet adherence and cognitive function. Investigators also looked at whether or not associations differed between individuals with high and low cardiovascular disease risk. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes many plant foods, including nuts and legumes.

Key Findings: High adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with better cognition overall and lower risk of poor cognition in this population. These associations were seen especially in individuals with high risk of cardiovascular disease.