A new long-term study suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet can help lower the risk of dementia, even among people with genetic predispositions. Dementia is influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, with the APOE4 gene variant being one of the strongest known genetic risks for Alzheimer’s disease. Having one copy of APOE4 triples the risk, while two copies increase it up to twelvefold.
Study Shows Strongest Benefits for High-Risk Groups
Researchers from Harvard-affiliated hospitals tracked over 5,700 participants for more than three decades, analyzing diet, genetics, and cognitive health. They found that individuals who ate diets rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low in red and processed meats were less likely to develop dementia and experienced slower cognitive decline. The protective effects were especially strong in those carrying two copies of the APOE4 variant.
While the study was limited by a relatively homogeneous participant pool, scientists emphasized that diet could play a key role in offsetting genetic risks. They called for more diverse research and suggested that genetic and metabolite testing may one day allow for personalized dietary recommendations to reduce dementia risk.
