Healthy diet associated with slower aging and decreased risk of dementia: Study

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2024-03-15 13:00 GMT | Update On 2024-03-16 09:42 GMT

According to a new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and The Robert Butler Columbia Aging Center, a healthier diet is associated with reduced dementia risk and slower pace of aging.

The study was published in the Journal Annals of Neurology.

Nutrient-rich foods provide antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, which contributes to aging and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. Additionally, a balanced diet supports brain health by reducing inflammation, promoting proper blood flow, and supplying essential nutrients that aid cognitive function and neuronal repair.

“Much attention to nutrition in dementia research focuses on the way specific nutrients affect the brain” said Daniel Belsky, PhD, associate professor of Epidemiology at Columbia School of Public Health and the Columbia Aging Center, and a senior author of the study. “We tested the hypothesis that healthy diet protects against dementia by slowing down the body’s overall pace of biological aging.”

For the study, researchers analyzed 1,644 participants for nine examinations, approximately every 4 to 7 years. At each follow-up visit, data collection included a physical examination, lifestyle-related questionnaires, blood sampling, and neurocognitive testing.

Of all the participants included in the analyses, 140 of the participants developed dementia. To measure the pace of aging, the researchers used an epigenetic clock called Dunedin-PACE developed at Duke University and the University of Otago.

“We have some strong evidence that a healthy diet can protect against dementia,” said Yian Gu, PhD, associate professor of Neurological Sciences at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the other senior author of the study, “But the mechanism of this protection is not well understood.” Past research linked both diet and dementia risk to an accelerated pace of biological aging.

The findings suggested that slower pace of aging mediated part of the relationship of healthy diet with reduced dementia risk, and therefore, monitoring pace of aging may inform dementia prevention. However, a portion of the diet-dementia association remains unexplained, therefore continued investigation of brain-specific mechanisms is in well-designed mediation studies is needed.

“We suggest that additional observational studies be conducted to investigate direct associations of nutrients with brain aging, and if our observations are also confirmed in more diverse populations, monitoring biological aging, may indeed, inform dementia prevention,” said Belsky.

Reference: Aline Thomas PhD, Calen P. Ryan PhD, Avshalom Caspi PhD, Zhonghua Liu PhD, Terrie E. Moffitt PhD, Karen Sugden PhD, Jiayi Zhou MPH, Daniel W. Belsky PhD, Yian Gu MD, PhD; Journal: Annals of Neurology; DOI: 10.1002/ana.26900

Full View

Article Source : Neurology

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Anshika Mishra

Anshika Mishra is a dedicated scholar pursuing a Masters in Biotechnology, driven by a profound passion for exploring the intersection of science and healthcare. Having embarked on this academic journey with a passion to make meaningful contributions to the medical field, Anshika joined Medical Dialogues in 2023 to further delve into the realms of healthcare journalism.

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Healthy diet associated with slower aging and decreased risk of dementia: Study

Similar News

Study Shows Poor Sleep Habits May Be Linked to 172 Diseases

Exercise, Diet, and Brain Training Can Slow Mental Aging: Study Finds

Study Reveals How Green Spaces May Protect Children Against ADHD and Autism

Is Air Pollution Quietly Increasing Brain Tumour Risk? Study Sheds Light

Even Low Lead Exposure May Accelerate Memory Loss in Children: Study Finds

Improved Survival Rates for People with Dementia: Global Study Finds

Is Your Brain Aging Too Fast? New Study Can Tell from One Brain Scan

Even in Your 70s, Your Brain May Be Making New Memory Cells: Study Suggests