Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet, Cognitive Decline, and Risk of Dementia

Abstract

The traditional Mediterranean diet is characterized by high consumption of plant foods (vegetables, fruits, legumes, and cereals), high intake of olive oil as the principal source of monounsaturated fat but low intake of saturated fat, moderate intake of fish, low to moderate intake of dairy products, low consumption of meat and poultry, and wine consumed in low to moderate amounts, normally with meals.¹ Adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet has been associated with longer survival, reduced risk of cardiovascular or cancer mortality, and reduced risk of neurodegenerative disease.^2,3