New research suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet can reduce the risk of developing dementia and slow cognitive decline, even for people with strong genetic predispositions. The diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains while low in red and processed meats, was linked to better brain health over a 30-year period.
APOE4 Gene and Personalized Strategies
One of the most significant genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease is the APOE4 variant. Carrying one copy triples the risk, while two copies increase it up to 12 times. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet were strongest in individuals with two copies of APOE4. Researchers tracked more than 5,700 participants, analyzing long-term diet, blood metabolites, genetic data, and cognitive performance.
The findings suggest that dietary interventions could influence key metabolic pathways related to brain function and help counteract genetic vulnerabilities. While the study mainly involved participants of European ancestry, it highlights the potential for incorporating genetic and metabolic testing into personalized dementia prevention strategies. Future research aims to explore whether targeting specific metabolites through diet or other interventions could further reduce cognitive decline risk.
