A Mediterranean Diet May Help Stave Off Cognitive Decline

The Medical New Today recently published an article from Gut Microbes Reports, which suggests “that not only did the Mediterranean diet change gut microbiota and improve serum lipid levels; it also improved memory and cognition.” The study reported a link between improved memory and learning after “participants” followed a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plants, whole grains and healthy fats. 

The 20 week study’s participants were 10-week-old rats who half were fed a traditional Western diet and the other half a Mediterranean diet.  Researchers say at the end of the study, rats fed a Mediterranean diet had better cognitive flexibility and improved aspects of spatial reference and working memory. The improvements correlated with a healthier gut microbiota.

Scott Kaiser, MD, a board-certified geriatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in this study, told Medical News Today: “A growing body of evidence clearly supports a strong correlation between diet and brain health. While this study, and other related cornerstone studies in this field, may not be designed to specifically establish causation there are many clear causal pathways and plausible biological mechanisms that support the likelihood that various diets and nutritional factors may either be protective of our brain health or accelerate cognitive decline and otherwise impact our mental well-being.”

Medical New Today suggests while there may not be an absolute connection between better dietary habits and cognitive decline, much of the research from the last several years speaks to the fact 2025 may be the time to adopt better lifestyle habits. They explain a number of studies show nutrition; exercise and sleep can improve overall health including brain and heart health.  

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Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mediterranean-diet-may-boost-memory-by-changing-gut-makeup?