The study analyzed the relationship between the metabolism of dietary components, androgynous metabolism, intestinal microbiota, and cognitive impairment. Researchers were able to determine the role of diet in the risk of suffering cognitive impairment. They examined plasma samples, which indicated that some metabolites were related to cognitive impairment and dementia progression.
Researchers were able to show a significant association between these processes and specific metabolites. There is a protective association between metabolites derived from coco, mushrooms, red wine, and microbial metabolism of polyphenol-rich foods such as apple, green tea, blueberries, and pomegranates, and cognitive impairment in the elderly.
Professor Cristina Andres-Lacueva concluded, “A higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods provides polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline due to aging.”
Lifestyle Changes
With an aging population and the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease on the rise, it is vital to find ways to reduce the risk. With simple lifestyle changes, dementia and other debilitating mental health issues could be prevented or symptoms reduced.
Diet is an easy thing to change that could help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Many experts believe that following a Mediterranean lifestyle may help treat and prevent cognitive decline.
The Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, has previously found to have almost a 45% to 50% reduction in the risk of having an impaired cognitive function. So, consuming a plant-based diet, or one such as the Mediterranean, is a great way to help keep your brain healthy!