So from a dietary perspective what can we do to reduce our risk of dementia or at least slow down the rate of decline? Scientific research  including a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that following a “Mediterranean Diet’ offered protective effects against cognitive decline in older individuals  because it combines several foods and nutrients potentially protective against cognitive dysfunction or dementia, such as fish, monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins B12 and folate, antioxidants (vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids), and moderate amounts of alcohol.

The study also noted that it is a diet very low in foods with added sugars. Indeed interestingly, this is similar dietary advice which would be encouraged for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Eating plenty of oily and non-oily fish, whole-grains, olive oil, non-starchy vegetables, salads, low-glycemic fruits, legumes, beans, nuts & seeds and an occasional glass of wine form the basis of a Mediterranean diet.