New research suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet could help reduce the risk of dementia, even for individuals with high genetic susceptibility. The diet—rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low in red and processed meats—was linked to slower cognitive decline over a 30-year period. The study highlights that lifestyle choices can partially offset genetic risk factors, providing hope for preventive strategies.
APOE4 Gene and Dietary Impact
One of the strongest genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is the APOE4 gene variant. Having one copy of APOE4 triples the risk, while two copies increase it up to twelvefold. Researchers found that individuals carrying two copies of the gene benefited most from adherence to the Mediterranean diet, suggesting that nutrition may influence key metabolic pathways affecting brain health.
The study analyzed data from over 5,600 participants, tracking long-term dietary habits, blood metabolites, and genetic information, alongside cognitive assessments. While the findings are limited by the primarily European-ancestry sample, the research supports integrating diet and genetic profiling into dementia prevention strategies.
“Targeting specific metabolites through diet or other interventions could provide a more personalized approach to reducing dementia risk,” said Yuxi Liu, one of the study’s authors. The results underscore the importance of healthy eating patterns for maintaining cognitive function, particularly for those at higher genetic risk.
