Sticking With Mediterranean or MIND Diets Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

Strong Evidence·Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association·Feb 2026

Following a Mediterranean or MIND diet long-term was linked to meaningful reductions in dementia risk in a study of over 130,000 U.S. nurses and health professionals. Those with the highest Mediterranean diet scores had 21% lower dementia risk, while top MIND diet followers had 14% lower risk. Higher adherence was also tied to 0.75 to 1.59 fewer years of cognitive aging and roughly 40% lower risk of self-reported cognitive decline. Even people who improved their diet over 4 or 8 years saw similar benefits.

Key Insight

This study suggests long-term adherence to Mediterranean or MIND diets may be associated with lower dementia risk.

Original Paper

Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association··130,240 adults (86,740 women, 43,500 men), followed from 1980/1986 to 2023
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Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.