MIND Diet Slows Brain Aging by Up to 2.5 Years, Study Finds

A new study has found that closely following the MIND diet, a brain-focused eating plan combining elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, may slow structural changes in the brain associated with aging by up to 2.5 years. Researchers analyzed data from 1,647 middle-aged and older adults in the Framingham Heart Study, revealing that higher adherence to the diet correlated with reduced loss of gray matter and slower enlargement of brain ventricles over an average follow-up period of 12 years. The findings, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, suggest diet could play a key role in preserving brain health amid rising concerns over neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

The MIND diet, short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, emphasizes nutrient-rich foods believed to support cognitive function. It promotes daily or frequent consumption of green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, fish, beans, olive oil, and poultry, along with moderate wine intake. The plan limits red meat, butter and margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast foods. Participants in the study, who had an...