Study Links Med. Diet To Improved Memory Function Later In Life

A U.S. study finds a connection between the Mediterranean diet (fish, chicken, fruits and vegetables, olive oil, etc.) and preserving memory and thinking abilities as people age. The study was conducted among 17,478 people (average age 64) who were monitored for health changes over four years. Those who adhered to the Mediterranean diet – and avoided saturated fats, meat and dairy foods – were 19 percent less likely to develop thinking and memory problems. However, the connection was not found in diabetics. Researcher Dr. Georgios Tsivgoulis said diet is only one modifiable habit that could preserve cognitive function, also citing exercise, weight management, not smoking, and taking hypertension and diabetes medicines.