RESOURCE
|
January 20, 2024

The MIND diet, brain transcriptomic alterations, and dementia

Research
Alzheimer’s & Dementia
SUMMARY

This study analyzed the MIND diet's effects on brain health through gene expression changes in the prefrontal cortex. Researchers identified a transcriptomic profile of 50 genes associated with the diet. Higher MIND diet adherence correlated with slower cognitive decline and lower dementia risk, mediated by specific genes involved in neurogenesis, inflammation, and vascular health. These findings highlight how diet can influence brain molecular pathways, offering insights into dementia prevention and cognitive health improvement.

RECOMMENDATION

Adopt the MIND diet, emphasizing leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains while minimizing processed foods. This diet may support brain health by slowing cognitive decline and reducing dementia risk. However, as the study focuses on postmortem analyses and gene correlations, individual benefits may vary, and further research is needed for concrete clinical recommendations.

TAGS
MIND diet; transcriptomics; dementia; cognitive decline; neurogenesis; inflammation; vascular health; gene expression; brain health; dietary intervention
DEEP DIVE