Category: Dementia prevention

According to the World Health Organization, someone in the world develops dementia every three seconds. While many hope for a single 'magic' bullet food to prevent cognitive decline, scientific research suggests a more holistic approach is key, with one food group consistently showing remarkable benefits.

According to a 2018 study published in *Neurology*, older adults who consumed approximately one serving of leafy greens daily experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who rarely did, offering promising evidence that is lettuce good for dementia.

Research has consistently linked a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to improved cognitive health, with studies showing that a higher intake of berries is associated with slower cognitive decline in older adults. Among these, blueberries stand out as a powerful single food that fights dementia, thanks to their exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Recent research from Australian universities shows promising evidence that extracts from the Queen Garnet plum can aid in the communication between brain cells. For those asking what plums prevent dementia, the focus is on varieties rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants found in deeply colored fruits. These compounds are being studied for their potential neuroprotective effects and anti-inflammatory properties.

Research from the UK Biobank involving over 170,000 participants found that higher intake of total and free sugars is significantly associated with an increased dementia risk. When questioning **what is one food to avoid dementia**, the focus should shift from a single item to prioritizing the reduction of highly processed, sugary foods and drinks.

According to a large-scale Japanese study of over 13,000 older adults, frequent consumption of citrus fruit, including oranges, was linked to a 23% reduced risk of dementia. This exciting research points to a significant connection between an orange and dementia risk reduction, driven by the fruit's unique bioactive compounds.

Studies have consistently shown that adopting a healthy dietary pattern can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. But with so many options, what is the best diet to prevent dementia, and how do these eating plans work to protect your brain?

Recent studies, including one published in *The Journal of Nutrition* in 2024, have found that older adults consuming one or more eggs per week experienced a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia compared to infrequent egg eaters. This surprising discovery challenges outdated fears and raises the question: **Are eggs bad for Alzheimer's?** The latest scientific evidence indicates they are not, and may in fact be beneficial.

While there is no single magical bullet, recent research reveals that low vitamin D concentrations are associated with a substantially increased risk of both all-cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease. However, the full picture of what vitamin reduces the chance of dementia involves a complex interplay of several nutrients and overall dietary patterns.

With over 55 million people affected worldwide, dementia is a major global health challenge. This raises a critical question: **Is dementia caused by a bad diet**? While diet alone is not the direct cause, evidence shows that poor nutrition significantly accelerates risk and worsens symptoms by impacting brain function.