Mediterranean diet and reduced risk of dementia in the latest study
Recently, researchers from Newcastle University and Exeter University in the UK found that following a Mediterranean diet may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
The study found that people who adhered more closely to a Mediterranean diet had up to 23% lower risk of dementia than those who followed a less Mediterranean diet.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a clinical syndrome characterized by intellectual decline and cognitive impairment, such as memory loss and decreased reasoning and calculation ability, but generally without impaired consciousness. Dementia is characterized by a deterioration in cognitive function that exceeds the expectations of normal aging and is more common in older people. The disease affects memory, thinking, orientation, understanding, calculation, learning ability, language and judgment and is a major cause of disability in the elderly.
Causes of dementia
The main causes of dementia include neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (accounting for 60-70% of cases), Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Other factors such as infection, vascular disease, stroke, depression and chronic medication use may also lead to dementia. As dementia worsens, patients' cognitive abilities will gradually decline, and their self-care abilities will be devastatingly affected, which is the main cause of disability in elderly patients.
Impact of dementia
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia has become an increasingly serious public health problem, affecting about 50 million people worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. Data released by authoritative organizations in 2015 showed that cognitive impairment (i.e. "dementia") has become a high-incidence disease among middle-aged and elderly people, just like diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. This will be a heavy burden for every family.
Prevention strategies
Although there is currently no cure for dementia, its risk can be reduced by improving lifestyle. The WHO's "Reducing the Risk of Cognitive Decline and Dementia" believes that improving lifestyle and diet can prevent dementia, or at least delay or slow the onset of dementia.
WHO recommends taking the following measures: The World Health Organization recommends starting with the following points:
1.Regular exercise: Exercise can improve mood, calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and slow down the decline of memory and intelligence. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines strongly recommend exercise for adults with normal cognition.
2.Quit smoking: A large amount of research evidence shows that smoking increases the risk of dementia. Not only Alzheimer's disease, but also many other types of dementia. Timely intervention for smoking cessation in adults who smoke can help maintain health.
3.Reduce alcohol intake: Alcohol increases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and it is recommended to drink as little as possible.
4.Maintain a healthy weight: Weight control can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and other dementia-related risks.
5.Healthy diet: The diet should be low in salt and fat, and eating more vegetables, fish and nuts can help reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's disease.
Mediterranean diet and dementia risk
WHO believes that the Mediterranean diet may help reduce the risk of dementia. This dietary pattern generally emphasizes low salt and low fat, and encourages eating more vegetables, fish and nuts.
Supplements and dementia prevention
Given the importance of brain health, it is appropriate to choose some supplements to help prevent brain diseases. When choosing supplements, consumers should choose carefully to ensure the quality and efficacy of the product. Pay attention to ingredients, brand reputation, and whether there are scientifically supported studies.
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep habits combined with the right supplements can be more effective in promoting overall health. With this comprehensive approach, you'll be on your way to a healthier life!