A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggests that consuming a daily glass of red wine, along with regular cheese intake and a weekly meal of lamb, may reduce the risk of dementia. The protective effect is attributed to the proteins in these foods, which help shield the brain from damage.
Researchers at Iowa State University analyzed data from 1,800 participants, aged 46 to 77, from the UK Biobank. They found that excessive salt intake was the greatest contributor to cognitive decline, but regular consumption of wine and cheese showed protective benefits.
Food Consumption and Cognitive Function
Participants provided detailed information on their dietary habits, including the intake of fresh and dried fruits, raw and cooked vegetables, oily and lean fish, various meats, cheese, bread, cereal, beverages, and alcohol. They then completed a Fluid Intelligence Test (FIT) between 2006 and 2010, with follow-ups from 2012 to 2013 and 2015 to 2016.
The findings indicated that cheese was the most effective food in preventing cognitive decline, even into later life. Additionally, a daily glass of red wine and weekly lamb consumption—excluding other red meats—were linked to improved long-term cognitive function. High salt intake, however, significantly increased the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Further Research Needed
Dr. Auriel Willette, assistant professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition, emphasized the need for randomized clinical trials to confirm whether dietary changes can significantly benefit brain health. Neuroscience PhD candidate Brandon Klinedinst noted that while genetic factors play a role, the right dietary choices could potentially prevent cognitive decline.
“Upgrading our diet could be the silver bullet for better brain health,” Klinedinst said. “Understanding what this entails is crucial for reversing the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease.”
