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# Mediterranean diet linked to lower Alzheimer's disease risk
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/mediterranean_diet_alzheimer_s_disease_risk_0711130558/
- Published: 2013-07-11T18:57:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T15:49:17.000Z
- Description: Following 2,258 New Yorkers free of Alzheimer's for four years, a study in Annals of Neurology found those in the highest third for Mediterranean diet adherence were 40 percent less likely to be diagnosed, and the middle third 15 percent less likely, after adjustment.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Diet, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

July 11, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- A study in Annals of Neurology suggests that eating Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, compared with other dietary patterns.

Mediterranean diet has been already associated with lower risk for cardiovascular disease, several types of cancer and overall mortality, according to the background information in the study report.

The current study led by Nikolaos Scarmeas MD from Columbia University Medical Center in New York, New York and colleagues shows men and women in the highest tertile of adherence to Mediterranean diet were 40 percent less likely than those in the lowest tertile of adherence to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The study involved 2,258 community-based individuals in New York who were free of Alzheimer's disease at baseline and followed up for a four year period during which their dietary patterns were prospectively evaluated every 1.5 years.

Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower risk for Alzheimer's disease. And compared with those in the lowest tertile of adherence to Mediterranean diet, those in the middle tertile of adherence to Mediterranean diet were at 15 percent reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease.

The highest reduction (40%) in the risk of Alzheimer's disease was found among those in the highest tertile of adherence to Mediterranean diet.

All the associations were adjusted for "cohort, age, sex, ethnicity, education, apolipoprotein E genotype, caloric intake, smoking, medical comorbidity index, and body mass index."

The study conclude "higher adherence to the MeDi (Mediterranean diet) is associated with a reduction in risk for AD (Alzheimer's disease)."

An estimated 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease, which doctors say has no cure and eventually completely disable and kill the patients. (reporting by Dr. David Liu)