Global Study Confirms Mediterranean Diet Reduces Dementia Risk by...

A 12-year longitudinal study involving 92,000 adults across 21 countries, published in The Lancet, confirmed that strict adherence to a Mediterranean diet — characterised by olive oil, legumes, whole grains, fish, vegetables, and low red meat consumption — reduces the risk of developing dementia by 23% compared to Western dietary patterns. The effect was largest in individuals who adopted the diet before age 50 and was independent of physical activity, education level, and genetic predisposition for Alzheimer disease. Neurologists at AIIMS Delhi and NIMHANS Bengaluru led the Indian arm of the study involving 8,000 participants. The findings are prompting India dietary guidelines committee to incorporate Mediterranean-style principles into the updated Indian diet recommendations due to be published in 2026, adapted for locally available ingredients such as dal, mustard oil, and seasonal vegetables.