One long-running study has associated a common diet with faster development of chronic diseases like dementia and heart disease.
The research, published in Nature Aging, followed more than 2,400 older adults over a 15-year period. Their average age was 71.5 at the start of the study period.
The researchers looked at the effect that several diets have on the development of chronic diseases, including:
The MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet, which is designed to boost brain health and reduce the risk of dementia
The AHEI (Alternative Healthy Eating Index), which is based on guidelines for reducing the risk of chronic diseases in general
The AMED (Alternative Mediterranean Diet), which is a modified version of the Mediterranean diet adapted to Western eating habits
A commonality of these diets is a focus on vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, legumes and unsaturated fats. They include a reduced intake of sweets, red meat, processed meat, butter and margarine.
Researchers also reviewed the effects of what they call a pro-inflammatory diet, meaning a diet known to increase inflammation, which is associated with various chronic diseases. This diet is focused on red and processed meat, refined grains and sweetened beverages. It involves a lower intake of vegetables, tea and coffee.
Following a pro-inflammatory diet was associated with an increased risk of developing chronic brain disorders like dementia as well as heart disease.
On the other hand, following one of the healthier diets was associated with a slower development of brain disorders and heart disease.
In a summary of the study findings, Adrian Carballo-Casla — a study co-author and researcher at Karolinska Institute, a Swedish medical university — says, “Our results show how important diet is in influencing the development of multimorbidity [multiple chronic diseases] in aging populations.”
The study did not find associations between the four diets and chronic muscle or bone diseases, however.
