The relationship between diet and brain health has been a subject of increasing interest, with a specific interest in dietary patterns' effect on overall well-being. A recent cohort study published in the Journal of American Medical Association analyzed data from the UK Biobank. It sought to research the association between adherence to the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and brain structural markers, providing valuable insights into diet for promoting brain health.
The research included comprehensive assessments, utilizing brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine various structural markers. The study population underwent two MRI assessments, allowing for an analysis of changes in brain structures over an extended period. Participants with greater adherence to the MIND diet exhibited larger volumes in critical areas such as the thalamus, putamen, pallidum, hippocampus, and accumbens.
The study delved into specific food groups within the MIND diet to identify potential contributors to these associations. Whole grains emerged as a standout, with the highest intake associated with higher volumes of total brain, gray matter, and various subcortical regions, excluding the amygdala. When used as the primary oil, olive oil showed protective associations with several subcortical areas, including the thalamus, caudate, pallidum, and amygdala.
Unexpectedly, a higher intake of fried fast foods was associated with lower thalamus, putamen, pallidum, and hippocampal volumes. Another surprising finding was that a higher intake of pastries and sweets was related to higher volumes of total brain, white matter, gray matter, thalamus, pallidum, hippocampus, and accumbens, along with lower volumes of white matter hyperintensities.
The study did not find significant associations with the MIND diet when examining longitudinal changes in brain structural markers. This suggests that while the diet may favor certain brain structures, it may not necessarily influence changes over a relatively short period.
The findings hold public health implications, emphasizing the potential benefits of dietary patterns like the MIND diet in promoting brain health. The emphasis on specific food groups within the diet, such as whole grains and olive oil, suggests that tailoring diets to include neuroprotective elements may have cognitive benefits.
Sources: Journal of American Medical Association
