The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay is a mixture of two separate healthy diets
The so-called MIND diet was developed by Martha C. Morris, a nutritional epidemiologist, with the aim of lowering individuals’ risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease through the incorporation of healthy “brain” foods and nutrient-rich foods into a daily diet.
Studies have revealed the diet may promote good health overall and help dieters lose weight, improve brain function, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol, with a surprising added benefit.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are among the most horrifying conditions that the average adult may have to cope with as he or she grows older. Research reveals that the average individual is nearly twice as fearful of loss of cognitive skills than the loss of physical ability.
Thankfully, the chances of facing one of these dread conditions can be reduced by diet: studies reveal that increasing consumption of leafy greens like spinach, as well as drinking up to one wine glass per night can actually reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by approximately 50%.
Prevention can be better than cure, lifestyle habits found to impact the disease’s progression
The MIND way of eating is believed to reduce Alzheimer’s risk by 53%, and allow the brain to function at a capacity 7.5 years younger than its actual age.
Although individuals cannot alter risk factors such as genetic heredity and biological age, other factors are within our control.
Good lifestyle practices to promote health like cognitive exercises, daily physical exercise and a nutrient-rich diet can contribute towards preventing, be slowing, and even stopping the changes from Alzheimer’s and similar conditions.
The accompanying DASH diet encourages consumption of vegetables and fruits, dairy that is low in fat, lean meats, beans, and nuts.
Statistics prove that concentrating on preventing Alzheimer’s through lifestyle changes can lower risk by up to 45%.