Last Updated on June 2, 2019

A recent study presented at the American academy of neurology looked at the association between sticking to a Mediterranean diet and brain size. There was less shrinkage among those who had higher scores on food questionnaire of diet.

Each additional point higher in managing the diet was associated with an increase total brain volume equivalent to more than 1 year of aging.

Most of the association was driven by higher intake of fish and lower intake of meat.

Potential mechanisms include anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidative effects, as well as potential slowing of the accumulation of β-amyloid or tau.

The scores consisted of a scale of 0-9 based on a 61-item food-frequency questionnaire that asked about intake of fish, vegetables, fruits, legumes, cereals, dairy products, meat, and poultry and alcohol.

American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 67th Annual Meeting. Abstract S36.008 Presented April 22, 2015.