Extra Virgin Olive Oil And The Med Diet Fight The Onset Of Dementia

^{Updated July 17th 2024}

How Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Mediterranean Diet Combat Dementia Onset

Dorina Cadar, a senior research fellow at UCL, stated that following a healthy and balanced eating plan, such as the Mediterranean diet, which features extra virgin olive oil as a cornerstone, is one of the best ways to maintain an optimal weight and reduce the risks of developing brain diseases.

She highlighted that because lifestyle behaviours can be modified, promoting a healthy lifestyle could prevent or improve underlying cerebrovascular and cardiovascular risk factors, thereby lowering the risk of dementia.

“In recent years, adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet has gained significant interest for its potential role in reducing the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and cerebrovascular diseases, including dementia.

We found that individuals with a body mass index (BMI) in the obese range had a 31 percent higher risk of dementia compared to those with a BMI in the normal range, regardless of their age, educational status, marital status, smoking habits, diabetes, hypertension, and apolipoprotein E4 carrier status.”

Dorina Cadar, a senior research fellow specialising in dementia at UCL

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a crucial protein in the body that plays a vital role in the metabolism of fats. This protein is essential for the normal catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein constituents. ApoE exists in several isoforms, with the E4 variant being particularly notable due to its significant association with Alzheimer’s disease.

The ApoE4 variant is the most significant genetic risk factor for late-onset sporadic Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals carrying one copy of the ApoE4 gene have an increased risk, while those with two copies have an even higher risk of developing the disease. This correlation underscores the importance of understanding the mechanisms by which ApoE4 influences Alzheimer’s pathology.

Cadar led the observational study, which began in 2002 and includes data from 6,582 people aged 50 years or older. Study participants were monitored biennially and are still being observed.

The UCL research has been conducted in association with the English Longitudinal Study of Aging.

The Impact of a Healthy Diet on Weight and Dementia Risk

“A well-balanced diet is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, contributing to optimal weight maintenance and healthy ageing for the mind, body, and soul,” said Cadar.

“The Mediterranean diet, which limits red meat and dairy products – major sources of saturated fats in a typical Western diet – and includes moderate wine consumption, usually during meals, exemplifies this approach,” she added.

The recent study highlighted that, in addition to a well-balanced diet, physical exercise and reduced alcohol intake are key to maintaining a normal body mass index (BMI).

“It’s important to view all healthy lifestyle behaviours together. A healthy diet alone isn’t sufficient without regular exercise,” Cadar explained. “I believe that positive lifestyle choices, such as avoiding smoking, staying physically active, eating healthier foods, drinking alcohol in moderation, and reducing stress, can protect our hearts and slow cognitive decline as we age.”

“The fact that these lifestyle behaviours are changeable suggests that promoting a healthy lifestyle could prevent or reduce the risk factors for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, which are also linked to dementia,” she added.

The Link Between Obesity and Dementia

Dorina Cadar stated that the link between obesity and dementia might be indirectly influenced by other conditions, such as high blood pressure and anticholinergic treatments. Anticholinergics block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the nervous system.

However, some recent studies have suggested that obesity could be a protective health factor for older adults. “While our study shows that excess body fat increases the risk of dementia through metabolic and vascular pathways, it’s important to note that previous studies have presented conflicting information. Some suggest that the relationship between obesity and dementia is unclear or that obesity might even be protective against dementia in older individuals,” Cadar said.

She added that several explanations could account for these findings, and more research across different life stages is needed. Cadar explained that obesity might appear protective in older people because individuals diagnosed with dementia often lose weight before their diagnosis.

Regardless of the conflicting data, maintaining a healthy diet remains paramount. Dr. Cadar highlights the importance of eating and drinking well to support overall health and quality of life at any age.

Conclusion

Significantly, the UCL study found a gender difference in the risk of dementia associated with obesity. “Interestingly, women with abdominal obesity (a high waist circumference) had a 39 percent increased risk of dementia compared with women without abdominal obesity, but this particular association was not found among the men,” Cadar said.

The findings of the study were published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

At the time, Andrew Steptoe, a co-author of the study, said dementia is one of the major health challenges of the 21st century that could threaten successful ageing. He added their findings suggest rising obesity rates will exacerbate the problem.