Plant-Heavy Diet Could Cut Risk Of Dementia, Study Finds

A Mediterranean diet of seafood, nuts, whole grains and vegetables could lower the risk of dementia by almost a quarter, according to promising early research that could pave the way for new preventive treatments.

- Rachel Hall

The data suggests eating lots of plant-based foods may have a "protective effect" against dementia, regardless of a person's genetic risk, and researchers said it could form the basis for future public health strategies if the further investigation confirms their findings.

Co-author of the study, Janice Ranson, a research fellow at the University of Exeter, said: "The findings from this large population-based study underscore the long-term brain health benefits of consuming a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.