New Study Highlights Brain Benefits of High-Quality Plant-Based Diets - Video

Not all plant-based diets are healthy-and your brain may know the difference.

A new study published in Neurology journal finds that the quality of plant-based foods you eat could significantly influence your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. While plant-based eating is often seen as beneficial, researchers say it’s not just about eating plants—but choosing the right ones.

The study, led by scientists from University of Hawaii at Manoa, followed 92,849 adults with an average age of 59 over 11 years. During this time, more than 21,000 participants developed dementia. Researchers analyzed dietary patterns by categorizing them into three types: an overall plant-based diet, a healthful plant-based diet, and an unhealthful plant-based diet.

The healthful version emphasized whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and healthy oils. In contrast, the unhealthful version included refined grains, sugary foods, fruit juices, and processed plant-based items.

Results showed that participants who consumed the highest amount of plant foods overall had a 12% lower risk of dementia compared to those who consumed the least. Those following a healthful plant-based diet had a 7% lower risk. However, people consuming the unhealthiest plant-based foods had a 6% higher risk of developing dementia.

Long-term changes in diet also mattered. Among participants tracked over time, those who shifted toward unhealthful plant-based diets had a 25% higher risk of dementia. Conversely, those who moved away from unhealthy choices reduced their risk by 11%.

The findings highlight a key message: simply avoiding animal products is not enough. Diet quality plays a crucial role in brain health. While the study is observational and does not prove cause and effect, it suggests that choosing nutrient-rich, minimally processed plant foods may support cognitive health as we age.

REFERENCE: Song-Yi Park, Veronica Wendy Setiawan, Eileen M. Crimmins, et al.; Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Risk of Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias in the Multiethnic Cohort Study; Neurology, The American Academy of Neurology; https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000214916