New Study Links Four Healthy Diets to 28% Reduced Dementia Risk

A recent study conducted by researchers at Yonsei University in South Korea has identified a significant association between adherence to certain dietary patterns and a reduced risk of dementia. The research, which analyzed data from 131,209 individuals aged 40 to 69, indicates that following the Mediterranean diet, alongside three other healthy diets, could lower the risk of developing dementia by as much as 28%. The findings were published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging on July 10, 2025.

The study evaluated participants' dietary habits over an average follow-up period of 13.5 years, comparing their eating patterns against the Mediterranean diet, the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, the Recommended Food Score (RFS), and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). Notably, those adhering to the RFS exhibited the most significant reduction in dementia risk, with a 28% decrease, while the MIND diet followers showed a 21% reduction.

According to Dr. Youn Hee Jung, lead author and researcher at Yonsei University, “Considering the lack of a definitive cure for dementia, dietary interventions targeting specific food components, overall diet quality, and inflammatory potential offer promising approaches for early prevention.” This perspective aligns with previous studies that have suggested dietary choices play a critical role in cognitive health.

The research highlights the importance of nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and poultry, while discouraging the consumption of fried foods, dairy, and red meat. These dietary choices are believed to mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, which are both implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Interestingly, the study also assessed diets through the Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII). Participants with higher EDII scores, indicating pro-inflammatory diets, faced a 30% increase in dementia risk. This correlation reinforces the notion that inflammation is a significant factor in cognitive decline.

Further analysis revealed that the relationship between dietary patterns and dementia risk was particularly pronounced among older adults and women. The researchers noted, “Our findings underscore the potential of dietary interventions as modifiable factors to reduce the risk of dementia, particularly in vulnerable populations.” This conclusion is critical as it points toward preventative measures that can be implemented without the need for pharmaceutical interventions.

Despite advancements in understanding dementia, the precise causes remain elusive. Factors such as genetics, physical activity, and sleep also contribute to dementia risk, complicating the overall picture. However, the ongoing research into dietary impacts provides valuable insight into how individuals might reduce their risk.

Dr. Amelia Roberts, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic, commented on the study: “While we cannot establish direct causation from observational studies, the strong associations uncovered in this research highlight the importance of diet in maintaining cognitive health. It emphasizes the need for further investigations to explore the biological mechanisms underlying these associations.”

The study builds on previous research, addressing limitations by using multiple dietary scoring systems and a larger sample size, which enhances the reliability of its conclusions. As the field of nutritional neuroscience continues to evolve, such studies are pivotal in formulating comprehensive dietary guidelines aimed at cognitive health.

In conclusion, the findings from Yonsei University not only reinforce the existing literature regarding diet and dementia but also pave the way for future research that could lead to actionable dietary recommendations for individuals seeking to mitigate their risk of cognitive decline. As the global population ages, understanding and implementing effective preventative strategies becomes increasingly vital.