from Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry
A new look at the benefits of the
Mediterranean diet among the elderly
comes in the Journal of Neurology,
Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Spanish
researchers studied men and women
between fifty-five and eighty without
known cardiovascular disease, but at
vascular risk because of type 2 diabetes,
high blood pressure, overweight, family
history or smoking. One group was
advised to follow the low-fat diet normally
recommended to prevent heart attack and
stroke. Another group followed a
Mediterranean diet with added olive oil or
added mixed nuts, as well as high
consumption of fruits, vegetables and
seafood. After about six and one-half
years, participants were tested for signs of
cognitive decline. Those on the olive-oil
supplemented Mediterranean diet and
those on the diet with added mixed nuts
fared better than those on the low fat diet.
Researchers say the study adds to
evidence suggesting high quality diet
seems to protect the aging brain.