US EditionEating More Plants Linked to Lower Risk of Dementia, Even in Older Age
Researchers found the healthiest plant foods were linked to a 12% lower dementia risk, while unhealthy plant-based diets raised risk.
- A new study published Wednesday in the journal Neurology links high-quality plant-based diets to lower dementia risk, even when adopted in later life during a person's 50s and 60s.
- Researchers followed nearly 93,000 diverse participants with an average age of 59 for an average of 11 years, tracking dietary patterns through questionnaires to assess how diet quality influences cognitive health.
- Participants consuming the healthiest plant foods—whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes—lowered their dementia risk by 7%, while those eating the most unhealthy plant-based options faced a 6% higher risk.
- Individuals who reduced unhealthy options over ten years saw an 11% lower dementia risk, whereas those increasing refined grains and added sugars faced approximately 25% higher risk during the study period.
- Lead author Song-Yi Park, PhD, of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, noted that healthy plant-based diets are associated with up to 68% lower risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
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32 Articles
Not all plant-based diets protect the brain against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
New research published yesterday in Neurology found that people who follow a high-quality plant-based diet have a lower chance of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias compared to those eating lower-quality plant foods.The study shows it's not enough to simply swap meat for vegetables – the type of plant foods you're reaching for makes all the difference.Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes appear protective, while r…
High-quality plant-based diets linked to lower dementia risk
Eating a higher quality plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias compared to eating a lower quality plant-based diet, according to a study published April 8, 2026, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
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noticiasya.comFollowing a high-quality, plant-rich diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, and fruits can prevent cognitive decline, even when people start that diet in their late 50s and 60s, according to…
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