Mediterranean diet could reduce Alzheimer's risk, study suggests

Following a Mediterranean-like diet could help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's, suggest the findings of a new study. 

For the study, researchers analyzed more than 500 seniors with an average age of 69. About 343 of the 512 participants were considered high risk of developing Alzheimer’s, per the study.  The researchers used MRI scanners to determine the participants’ brain volume, as shrinking of brain volume has been observed in those affected by the disease. The researchers also took cerebrospinal fluid samples from the participants, testing the samples for two abnormal proteins that are said to be biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s. The participants were also surveyed about their diet habits, with a score given based on how often they consumed foods often associated with a Mediterranean-like diet, such as fish, vegetables, whole grains and olive oil, and how often they consumed red meat, which is not as commonly associated with this specific diet. They also underwent certain cognitive tests.