Is this eating style good for brain health?

Image: Thinkstock
Ask the doctor
A study published online in October 2015 by the journal Neurology provided important new evidence in this regard. The study included nearly 700 older adults (average age about 81) from many walks of life. Their diets were carefully assessed, and their brains were studied with MRI scans. Those people who adhered most closely to the Mediterranean diet were found to have larger brains—equivalent to that of people five years younger—compared with those who adhered least closely to the diet. Parts of the brain that are particularly important in memory showed the most difference.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.