A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that following an anti inflammatory eating pattern may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, even among people who already show biological signs associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings add to growing evidence that healthy eating supports brain health and may help protect cognitive function as people age.
To explain the study and its implications, CNN spoke with wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University.
Study Links Diet to Lower Dementia Risk
Researchers followed more than 1,800 adults aged 60 and older in Sweden who did not have dementia at the start of the study.
Participants completed detailed food questionnaires over six years, allowing researchers to assess how inflammatory their diets were. Blood samples were also analyzed for three biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease and brain injury.
The participants were then monitored for up to 15 years.
During that period, 240 people developed dementia.
Researchers found that individuals whose diets had lower inflammatory potential were significantly less likely to develop dementia, including those already considered at higher biological risk.
Among participants with elevated levels of the Alzheimer’s related biomarker p tau217, those who closely followed an anti inflammatory diet had a 29 percent lower risk of developing dementia.
Similar reductions were observed among participants with other biomarkers linked to nerve cell damage and inflammation.
What Is an Anti Inflammatory Diet?
Dr. Wen explained that there is no single officially recognized anti inflammatory diet.
Instead, it refers to an overall eating pattern associated with lower levels of chronic inflammation throughout the body.
In the study, researchers found that diets rich in:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Whole grains
and lower in:
- Sugar sweetened beverages
- Ultra processed foods
- Red meat
were considered less inflammatory.
This eating pattern closely resembles the Mediterranean diet, which also emphasizes vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, olive oil and other healthy fats.
According to Dr. Wen, the important message is not to follow one perfect diet but to consistently choose whole, minimally processed foods.
How Inflammation May Affect the Brain
Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s immune response, helping fight infections and heal injuries.
However, long term, low grade inflammation may gradually damage blood vessels, injure nerve cells and activate immune cells in the brain.
Researchers believe these changes may contribute to cognitive decline and eventually dementia.
Dr. Wen emphasized that dementia is caused by many factors, including genetics, cardiovascular disease, hearing loss, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Inflammation appears to be one important part of that larger picture.
Should High Risk Individuals Change Their Diet?
Dr. Wen believes the study provides another strong reason to adopt healthier eating habits but cautions against viewing the findings as definitive proof.
Because the research was observational, it cannot prove that diet alone prevented dementia.
Participants reported their own eating habits through questionnaires, which may not always be completely accurate.
The study also involved older adults in Sweden, meaning the results may not apply equally to populations with different lifestyles, diets or genetic backgrounds.
Still, Dr. Wen said the research delivers an encouraging message.
Although people cannot change their age or genetics, they can modify lifestyle factors that influence long term health.
Other Ways to Reduce Dementia Risk
In addition to healthy eating, Dr. Wen highlighted several lifestyle habits that support brain health.
These include:
- Regular physical activity
- Managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting excessive alcohol consumption
- Getting adequate sleep
- Staying socially connected
- Continuing to learn new skills
- Participating in hobbies, volunteering and community activities
Maintaining an active mind and healthy blood vessels plays an important role in preserving cognitive function as people age.
Benefits Beyond Brain Health
An anti inflammatory eating pattern offers benefits far beyond reducing dementia risk.
Research has consistently linked it to lower risks of:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain cancers
- Obesity
- Poor metabolic health
Dr. Wen said people should think of these dietary changes as lifelong habits rather than short term solutions focused on preventing a single disease.
Instead of searching for a miracle “superfood” or following restrictive diets, she recommends making gradual, sustainable improvements such as eating more vegetables and whole grains, choosing fruit or nuts over ultra processed snacks and replacing sugary drinks with water.
According to Dr. Wen, these small changes can produce meaningful long term health benefits and are supported by decades of nutrition research.
Source: CNN
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