Mass researchers general Brigham reveal that Mediterranean food acts as a protective barrier against cognitive decline, with promising results published in Medicine nature.
The Mediterranean diet, an ally of the heart but also of the brain
Rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and whole cereals, the Mediterranean diet has long been associated with better cardiovascular health. Now he also stands out as an ally of the brain. The study conducted by a team from the Mass General Brigham confirms this effect, stressing that this diet could even protect the most vulnerable people.
As Yuxi Liu explains, the main author of the study: “This study shows that food can be an important tool to prevent or reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in people with higher genetic risk“.
Why the carriers of the APOE4 gene are the most vulnerable
A gene particularly attracts the attention of researchers: Apolipoprotein E (Apoe). Its APOE4 variant is the most important genetic risk factor in so -called sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, which is generally declared itself later in life. People with a single copy of the APOE4 variant present a risk multiplied by 3 to 4 to develop the disease. Those carrying two copies (called APOE4 Homozygous) see their risk leaving to 12 times higher compared to people who are not carriers.
A study on more than 5,000 participants followed for 30 years
To assess the protective effect of the Mediterranean regime in the face of this risk, researchers analyzed the data of 4,215 women from the Nurses’ Health Study study, followed from 1989 to 2023 (average age of 57 years at the start). These data were validated by the parallel examination of 1,490 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study study, followed from 1993 to 2023. Eating habits were evaluated thanks to detailed questionnaires on the frequency of consumed food. Researchers also analyzed blood samples in order to detect a wide range of cognitive health metabolites and have integrated genetic data to estimate the hereditary risk of Alzheimer. Finally, a subgroup of 1,037 women benefited from regular cognitive tests by phone to measure the evolution of their faculties.
The results are clear: people following a Mediterranean type diet presented a lower risk of dementia and a slower cognitive decline. This protective effect was particularly marked in carriers of two copies of the APOE4 variant, suggesting that the food could partially compensate for a very unfavorable genetic predisposition.
How food acts as a barrier against Alzheimer’s
As Yuxi Liu sums it up: “Our results suggest that even for people at higher genetic risk, a Mediterranean diet can offer some protection against cognitive decline“.
She also adds: “These results suggest that food strategies, in particular the Mediterranean regime, could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and prevent dementia by acting largely on the main metabolic pathways. This recommendation applies to all levels, but it could be even more important for people with higher genetic risk, such as those with two copies of the APOE4 genetic variant “.
To personalized prevention according to your genetic profile
The study, although solid by its duration and its sample, remains observational. It therefore does not allow to demonstrate a direct cause and effect link. Researchers insist on the need to conduct wider clinical trials to confirm these results.
Nevertheless, this advance opens the way to a reflection on food as a personalized prevention tool. Yuxi Liu underlines: “These results also highlight the need for personalized dietary approaches in dementia prevention “.
The next steps will consist in exploring how to adapt the food recommendations according to the genetic profile of each, in order to further strengthen prevention against Alzheimer’s.