Recent research highlights the potential benefits of anti-inflammatory diets for reducing dementia risk among older adults with cardiometabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. A new study published in JAMA Network Open explored this connection, finding that adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet could significantly lower dementia risk.
Over a 15-year period, the study observed that older adults with cardiometabolic diseases who followed an anti-inflammatory diet had a 31% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those on a pro-inflammatory diet. Additionally, those on an anti-inflammatory diet had a larger volume of gray matter, which is crucial for cognitive function, and showed fewer signs of damage to brain blood vessels.
The Role of Inflammation
Inflammation has become a focal point in understanding chronic conditions. It is known to be linked to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and depression. While inflammation is essential for defending the body against injury and infection, chronic inflammation can lead to significant damage and contribute to various diseases.
In particular, cardiometabolic diseases are associated with a heightened risk of dementia, and inflammation may be a key factor in this relationship. The study found that having a cardiometabolic condition increased the risk of developing dementia by 81%.
Diet’s Impact on Inflammation
Diet plays a crucial role in managing inflammation. The Western diet, rich in red meat, refined grains, full-fat dairy, and processed foods, is linked to higher levels of inflammation. Conversely, diets high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fish are associated with lower inflammatory markers.
In the recent study, researchers used the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) to assess participants’ diets. The DII assigns scores to dietary components, with negative scores indicating anti-inflammatory effects and positive scores indicating pro-inflammatory effects.
Study Findings
The study analyzed data from 84,342 older adults, all over 60 and dementia-free at the study’s start. Over 15 years, 1,559 participants developed dementia. The analysis revealed that those with cardiometabolic diseases who followed an anti-inflammatory diet had a 31% lower risk of dementia and showed better MRI markers of brain health compared to those on a pro-inflammatory diet. They also developed dementia an average of two years later.
MRI scans showed that individuals on an anti-inflammatory diet had more gray matter and lower levels of white matter hyperintensity, a marker of cerebral small vessel disease linked to cognitive decline.
Recommendations for an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
The study’s findings suggest incorporating foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as:
Fruits (especially berries)
Green leafy vegetables
Extra virgin olive oil
Whole grains
Fish
Green tea
Spices like garlic, ginger, and turmeric
In contrast, red meat, high-fat dairy, refined grains, and processed foods should be minimized as they may increase systemic inflammation.
Expert Opinions
Abigail Dove, MSc, a study author, emphasized that while anti-inflammatory diets are known to lower dementia risk, this study uniquely examines the diet-dementia link in the context of cardiometabolic diseases. Federica Amati, PhD, a nutritionist not involved in the study, underscored the importance of advising adults to follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in plants, healthy fats, and polyphenol-rich foods.
Future Directions
The study does have limitations, including its observational nature and potential biases in self-reported dietary data. The limited diversity of the UK Biobank data may also affect the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the DII evaluates dietary components in isolation without considering the source or preparation of the foods.
Despite these limitations, the research highlights the potential for diet modification to reduce dementia risk. Future studies will continue to explore dietary patterns, including plant-based diets, and their effects on dementia risk and brain health.
