Can the Mediterranean diet slow down age-related cognitive decline? | Le régime méditerranéen peut-il ralentir le déclin cognitif lié à l’âge ?
2015
Barberger-Gateau, P. | Samieri, C. | Féart, C.
The aim of this paper was to analyze published data showing how the Mediterranean diet could postpone age-related cognitive decline and the onset of dementia, in particular Alzheimer’s disease. Foods that are characteristic of the Mediterranean diet provide many beneficial or even essential nutrients for brain functioning: antioxidant vitamins C and E, carotenoids, polyphenols, B vitamins, fat soluble vitamins D and K, omega3 fatty acids, that may act in synergy. Several recent reviews of the literature and meta-analyses have shown that higher adherence to this dietary model was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease. However, its low content in meat and dairy products must be considered with caution in older persons who are at risk of under-nutrition. The randomized controlled trial Predimed-Navarra has shown that the impact of the Mediterranean diet on cognition varied according to the genetic characteristics of the individuals for genes involved in Alzheimer’s disease risk, in particular the Apoliprotein E gene. According to the Unesco, the Mediterranean diet “involves a set of skills, knowledge, rituals, symbols and traditions concerning crops, harvesting, fishing, animal husbandry, conservation, processing, cooking, and particularly the sharing and consumption of food”. All these features probably contribute to the maintenance of cognitive functioning.
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