Anti-inflammatory diets reduce dementia risk in older adults with CMDs

How Anti-Inflammatory Diets Could Lower Dementia Risk in Older Adults with Cardiometabolic Disorders
Study: Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Dementia in Older Adults With Cardiometabolic Diseases. Image Credit: Elena Eryomenko/Shutterstock.com (News Medical)


In recent years, there has been growing interest in how dietary choices can influence long-term brain health, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions. A new study published in JAMA Network Open investigates whether adopting an anti-inflammatory diet could help reduce the risk of dementia among older adults with cardiometabolic disorders (CMDs). These disorders, including conditions like heart disease, insulin-independent diabetes, and stroke, are known to increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Could changes in diet be a simple yet powerful way to protect the brain as we age?


Cardiometabolic Disorders and Inflammation


Cardiometabolic disorders are a group of conditions that include heart disease, diabetes (specifically insulin-independent or type 2 diabetes), and stroke. They are major risk factors for developing dementia, especially when two or more of these conditions coexist. One of the key pathways through which CMDs contribute to cognitive decline is chronic inflammation. Inflammation not only accelerates the progression of CMDs but also affects brain health, increasing the likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.


Western diets—rich in red meat, high-fat dairy, processed foods, and refined grains—have been linked to increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers in the body. In contrast, diets that emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and seafood are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. It is this balance between inflammation-promoting and inflammation-reducing foods that the researchers aimed to explore in their study, particularly to understand how it impacts dementia risk in older adults with CMDs.


 The Study at a Glance


The study involved 84,342 older adults from the UK Biobank who were over 60 years old and free from dementia at the start of the research. The participants' diets were assessed using the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), a scoring system that categorizes foods based on their potential to either increase or reduce inflammation. The researchers followed the participants for an average of 12 years, tracking new-onset dementia cases, and analyzing MRI brain scans for markers of neurodegeneration and vascular injury.


Of the participants, 17% had one or more CMDs at the start of the study. The results were telling: individuals with CMDs who followed an anti-inflammatory diet had a 31% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who followed pro-inflammatory diets. This group also had healthier brain scan results, showing more gray matter and less white matter hyperintensity, markers often associated with neurodegeneration.


The Power of Anti-Inflammatory Foods


The foods that comprise an anti-inflammatory diet are primarily plant-based and include nutrient-dense options like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fatty fish. These foods are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. In contrast, pro-inflammatory diets, high in processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats, can lead to the accumulation of inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), which has been linked to both cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.


In this study, individuals who consumed anti-inflammatory diets experienced not only a reduced risk of dementia but also a delay in its onset. Those who followed a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods developed dementia, on average, two years later than those who followed a pro-inflammatory diet.


Why This Matters


This research reinforces the idea that diet is a crucial factor in maintaining cognitive health, especially for individuals already dealing with cardiometabolic disorders. For healthcare providers and nutrition specialists, the study provides strong evidence to recommend dietary changes as part of a holistic approach to managing both cardiovascular and cognitive health. 


By reducing systemic inflammation, an anti-inflammatory diet could help delay the onset of dementia and improve overall quality of life for older adults with CMDs. Furthermore, regular brain scans over time may reveal even deeper insights into how these diets impact brain health in the long run, providing a better understanding of the connection between diet, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.

 

Small Changes, Big Impact


While there is no single solution to preventing dementia, this study highlights the power of simple dietary changes. For older individuals with cardiometabolic disorders, switching to an anti-inflammatory diet could offer significant protective benefits for both the heart and the brain. As more research emerges, the role of nutrition in managing chronic diseases and promoting cognitive health will likely continue to grow, offering new hope for individuals at risk of dementia.


Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seafood could be a key strategy in not only reducing the risk of CMDs but also delaying or preventing dementia, making it an important consideration for anyone looking to maintain long-term brain health.


Summary: 


Impact of Anti-Inflammatory Diets on Cognitive Health in CMD Patients

A recent JAMA Network Open study examined the cognitive benefits of anti-inflammatory diets in older adults with cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). The research included 84,342 UK Biobank participants aged 60+, focusing on new-onset dementia and using MRI to assess brain health. The study found that CMD patients consuming anti-inflammatory diets had a 31% lower risk of dementia compared to those on pro-inflammatory diets. MRI results indicated higher gray matter volumes and lower white matter hyperintensity in those eating anti-inflammatory foods. Over 12 years, 1.90% of participants developed dementia, with dietary inflammation significantly impacting cognitive outcomes. The findings highlight the potential of anti-inflammatory diets to mitigate dementia risk in CMD patients by reducing systemic inflammation and promoting better brain health.

References : 

* News Medical , Anti-inflammatory diets could lower dementia risk among older individuals with cardiometabolic disorders By Pooja Toshniwal Paharia

* JAMA Netw Open ,Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Dementia in Older Adults With Cardiometabolic Diseases


This blog is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your personal health needs.

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