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A recent study published in the Annals of Neurology unveils promising evidence suggesting that following the MIND diet may offer substantial benefits in slowing down biological aging and reducing the risk of dementia and mortality.

Developed as a fusion of the esteemed Mediterranean and DASH diets, the MIND diet aims to preserve cognitive function, as highlighted by Maggie Moon, MS, RD, a brain health nutrition specialist and best-selling author of "The MIND Diet."

With dementia affecting approximately 10% of adults aged 65 and over in the United States, dietary factors have emerged as critical elements in the quest to shield against cognitive decline.

The MIND diet prioritizes the consumption of vegetables, nuts, beans, berries, lean poultry, fish, whole grains, and moderate amounts of olive oil and wine while restricting red meat, butter, full-fat cheese, fried fast food, and sweets.

Research has shown a link between the MIND diet and improvements in various aging aspects, such as enhanced grip strength, mobility, and reduced chronic low-grade inflammation termed "inflammaging."

"We think one of the key mechanisms at play are the omega-3 fatty acids from foods like walnuts and arctic char, for example, which calm the inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain that can lead to memory and cognition problems," Moon said, Health.com reported.

Prior studies have also indicated that adherence to the diet may decelerate brain aging by up to 7.5 years.

The recent study from Columbia University aimed to evaluate if the MIND diet could mitigate dementia risk by retarding biological aging, assessed through the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock examining DNA methylation patterns.

The study involved 1,644 dementia-free adults aged 60 and older from the Framingham Heart Study, spanning between 1991 and 2008.

Results revealed a correlation between greater adherence to the MIND diet and a slower pace of aging, alongside reduced odds of dementia development and mortality.

Lead author Dan Belsky, Ph.D., underscored the importance of further investigations beyond a single population group to validate the findings.

"Replication of findings in studies representing other groups within the U.S. population are needed," Belsky said.

Despite challenges in gauging the accuracy of the DunedinPACE device, researchers speculate that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in MIND diet components contribute to brain health by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress.

While the MIND diet primarily benefits older adults, its advantages extend to stroke prevention, diabetes management, stress reduction and improved cardiovascular health, making it a dietary regimen worth considering for individuals of all ages.