In a new study from the University of Barcelona, researchers found a diet rich in plant products reduces the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly.
They examined the link between the metabolism of dietary components, intestinal microbiota, metabolism and cognitive impairment.
The results showed a protective association between metabolites derived from cocoa, coffee, mushrooms and red wine, microbial metabolism of polyphenol-rich foods (apple, cocoa, green tea, blueberries, oranges or pomegranates) and cognitive impairment in the elderly.
The analysis of blood samples indicated that some metabolites are related to the progression of cognitive impairment and dementia.
For example, 2-furoylglycine and 3-methylanthine, which are biomarkers of coffee and cocoa consumption, had a protective effect, while saccharin –derived from the consumption of artificial sweeteners– had a damaging role.
The study is essential to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies that help to take care of our cognitive health.
The team says changes in lifestyle and diet are decisive as a strategy to prevent cognitive deterioration and its progression in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
A higher intake of fruits, vegetables and plant-based foods provides polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline due to aging
If you care about dementia, please read studies about this slow exercise could bring benefits for people with dementia and findings of extra virgin olive oil that may protect against multiple types of dementia.
For more information about dementia and your health, please see recent studies about why people with type 2 diabetes develop dementia, and results showing that healthy lifestyle can lower dementia risk despite family history of dementia.
The study is published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. One author of the study is Cristina Andrés-Lacueva.
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