Are you a woman? This diet protects you from Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found in a new study that middle-aged women on the DASH diet, aimed at lowering blood pressure, were 17% less likely to experience cognitive decline in their later years.

This discovery has significant ramifications as women constitute over two-thirds of Alzheimer's disease diagnoses. 

Alzheimer's disease, the leading form of dementia, affected around 6.5 million Americans over 65 in 2022 and is projected to double by 2060.

Researchers emphasized the correlation between adherence to the DASH diet during midlife and reduced cognitive issues in old age.

The DASH diet, rich in plant-based foods and limited in saturated fats and sugars, is known for mitigating high blood pressure risks, a known factor for cognitive decline.

The long-term study involved analysis from over 5,116 women; those strictly following the DASH diet reported a 17% decrease in the odds of having multiple cognitive complaints.

Source: NYU Langone