Anti-inflammatory diets lower dementia risk for high-risk older adults
Anti-inflammatory diets lower dementia risk for high-risk older adults
Anti-inflammatory diets lower dementia risk for high-risk older adults
Older adults who follow a diet with low inflammatory potential may face a reduced risk of developing dementia, including those who already show early biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease. Findings from a long-term study suggest that while general healthy eating benefits many, a specific focus on reducing inflammation may be particularly effective for individuals at higher biological risk.
The research, published in JAMA Network Open, utilized data from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). This longitudinal study recruited participants aged 60 and over between March 2001 and August 2004. Researchers followed the group until November 2019, with follow-up assessments occurring every 3 to 6 years. Of the 1,865 participants analyzed, 240 developed dementia over a 15-year period.
The Role of Blood Biomarkers
To determine biological risk, the research team used blood-based biomarkers to identify early pathology often associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study tracked three specific markers:
- p-tau 217: Linked to Alzheimer’s disease-related pathology.
- NFL (Neurofilament light chain): An indicator of neuronal injury.
- GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein): A marker of glial activation or damage.
Comparing Dietary Patterns
Researchers evaluated habitual diets using a 98-item food frequency questionnaire and analyzed three distinct dietary patterns:
| Dietary Pattern | Focus/Description | Primary Association |
|---|---|---|
| rEDII (reversed Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Index) | Specifically designed to capture the inflammation-related dimension of diet. | Consistent lower risk for high-risk populations (elevated biomarkers). |
| AMED (Alternate Mediterranean Diet) | Assesses adherence to Mediterranean patterns, including specific scoring for red meat and wholegrains. | Lower risk primarily seen in low-risk populations. |
| AHEI (Alternative Healthy Eating Index) | Grades intake of nutrients predictive of chronic disease risk. | Lower risk primarily seen in low-risk populations. |
For individuals with elevated levels of p-tau 217, NFL, and GFAP, higher adherence to the rEDII—the anti-inflammatory pattern—was linked to a 21% to 29% lower risk of dementia.
"Our study was observational, so it cannot prove that changing diet will improve prognosis or prevent dementia, including among people with early biological signs of disease,"
Anja Mrhar, researcher and PhD student, via Medical News Today
Mrhar also noted limitations regarding the use of self-reported questionnaires and the fact that the participants came from a single urban area in Sweden, meaning they were relatively healthy and well-educated.
Health experts maintain that overall dietary consistency over many years is what matters most.
