Diet quality during midlife bears no significant risk on developing dementia – Alzheimer’s Society comment

The research showed that the diet quality of the assessed during midlife was not significantly associated with the risk of developing dementia.

This study examined the association between midlife diet quality using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and dietary patterns alongside subsequent incidence rates for dementia and cognitive decline.

Dr James Pickett, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Society, says:

'Dementia is one of the top ten causes of death, and the only one we can’t cure, prevent or even slow down, which is why our researchers are hard at work to better understand what might cause dementia and how we can beat it.

'It’s estimated that up to a third of cases of dementia could be prevented by changes in lifestyle, including diet, so it’s surprising that this study suggests that diet in midlife does not have an impact on risk of dementia in later life.

'This was a robust study that followed participants over a long time, but was based on self-reported feedback from the participants on their diet, which may not always be accurate. 

'What we do know is that there are lots of factors which contribute to the development of dementia; some of which we can control.

'Ultimately, swapping those crisps for a fruit snack, staying active and not smoking can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke, and is a good way to look after the health of your brain, too.'