UEA study explores benefits of Mediterranean diet
31 May 2019, 07:11 | Updated: 31 May 2019, 07:13
Researchers at the University of East Anglia are launching a new study to see whether eating a Mediterranean-style diet and being more active could improve brain function and reduce dementia risk.
A Mediterranean- style diet is rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes, wholegrain cereals, fish and olive oil with limited intake of dairy foods, red meat and confectionary. Red wine is the typical alcoholic beverage, which is consumed with meals.
The trial, which is the first study of its kind in the UK, will attempt to change the diet and exercise habits of people over a 24-week period.
They are looking for more than 60 volunteers from the region to take part, with participants also recruited in Newcastle and Birmingham.
Lead researcher Prof Anne-Marie Minihane from the Norwich Medical School said: "There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK with this number set to soar to over 2 million by 2050.
"While there are some drugs to help treat the symptoms of diseases like Alzheimer's, the most common cause of dementia, there are no treatments that can stop or slow the spread of these diseases through the brain.
"'That's why it's so important that we look at preventative measures such as changes to diet or other lifestyle factors, in order to retain brain vitality.
"Over the past 10 years, scientists have identified that a Mediterranean Diet and taking regular exercise improve cognition and are associated with a lower risk of dementia. However, more evidence is needed from human studies conducted in UK adults."
Volunteers must be between 55 and 74 years old, and have no diagnosis of dementia but may be noticing some decline in their memory.
Prof Minihane said: "We're looking for people who are prepared to try to make changes to their diet and physical activity levels.
"The study will involve cognitive tests, an MRI brain scan, providing a small number of blood samples, keeping a food record, wearing an activity monitor on your wrist and attending group sessions."
The Mediterranean Diet, Exercise and Dementia Risk Reduction Programme (MedEx-UK) is a collaborative project between UEA, and the Universities of Newcastle, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Cambridge.
It is funded by Alzheimer's Research UK.
