Mediterranean Diet, Physical Activity, and Risk for Dementia

A Mediterranean diet (high intake of fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, and low intake of saturated fats, dairy products, and meats) is associated with lowered risks for cardiovascular disease and stroke and might also protect against cognitive decline. In two studies, researchers assessed this relation; in one, investigators also assessed the value of physical activity.

In an extension of the original prospective cohort study that showed a relation between a Mediterranean diet and lowered risk for Alzheimer disease (AD; Ann Neurol 2006; 59:912), diet and exercise were assessed in 1880 older New York City residents (mean age, 77). During mean follow-up of about 5 years, 282 participants developed AD. In adjusted analyses, both high physical …