Worldwide, nearly 50 million people suffer from dementia. It is one of the leading causes of loss of autonomyWho “manifests itself by an increasing alteration of memory and cognitive functions as well as by behavioral disorders”, specifies the World Health Organization (WHO). It is still incurable, but certain habits can limit the risk of developing it.
Researchers have looked at people with cardiometabolic diseases, namely those with a type 2 diabetesheart disease or having had a stroke. The researchers note that these people are at greater risk of dementia. According to the authors of this work, an anti-inflammatory diet would reduce the risk. Their results are published in the journal Jama Network.
Anti-inflammatory diet may reduce dementia risk even in people with cardiometabolic diseases
To arrive at these results, the researchers based their work on data from 84,342 people, aged 40 to 70, registered with the UK Biobank and suffering from cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease, for example. The researchers collected information about the participants’ health status. In addition, they answered a questionnaire about their lifestyle and diet. The researchers performed brain scans by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among nearly 9,000 participants.
The authors of this work classified the participants according to their diet, into three categories: those who had a “pro-inflammatory”, “neutral” or “anti-inflammatory” diet. Then, the researchers followed the health of the participants for a maximum period of 15 years.
Anti-inflammatory diet may reduce neurodegeneration
Over the study period, 1,559 people, or 1.9% of participants, developed dementia. The authors note that in this panel, participants with a anti-inflammatory diet compared to a pro-inflammatory diet had a 31% lower risk of dementia. Additionally, experts noted that participants who ate an anti-inflammatory diet had a “significantly larger gray matter volume (which shows less developed neurodegeneration – Editor’s note) and a significantly lower load of hyperintense white matter lesions (which are signs of vascular lesions in the brain – Editor’s note)”.
In their conclusions, the researchers note that “These results highlight the anti-inflammatory diet as a modifiable factor that could support brain and cognitive health in people with cardiometabolic diseases.”
What is an anti-inflammatory diet and is it suitable for everyone?
As a reminder, the anti-inflammatory diet is based on the consumption of raw products such as rice, wholemeal semolina or wholemeal bread, dietary fiber found in fruits, vegetables, cereals or even dried vegetables and oilseeds. In addition, it tends to limit red meat, high-fat dairy products, eggs, refined cereals and processed foods.
In a statement from Harvard University, Dr. Howard E. LeWine, illustrates: “If you’re looking for a diet that closely adheres to the principles of an anti-inflammatory diet, consider the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and healthy oils.”
Also, if you want to adopt it, “Start by making changes gradually, so that it becomes a lifestyle change rather than a ‘diet'”advises Liz Moore, a registered dietitian at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in a Harvard University statement.Try to eat less packaged foods and more foods from the land.”
Be careful though, because before adopting it, it is recommended to consult a health professional in order to adapt to each person’s nutritional needs.
Sources :
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Dementia in Older Adults With Cardiometabolic Diseases – Jama Network 12/08/2024
- Foods that fight inflammation – Harvard Health Publishing – 26/03/2024
- Quick-start guide to an anti‑inflammation diet – Harvard Health Publishing – 15/03/2023
