Current Understanding: |
Current Understanding
The studies reviewed here generally provide support for an inverse relation between Alzheimer's disease and a healthy dietary pattern, defined loosely as a diet high in fruits and vegetables, low in red and processed meats, and favoring mono- and polyunsaturated fats over saturated fats. Although the studies varied somewhat in their definitions of healthy dietary pattern and used different methods to quantify adherence to that pattern, results were largely consistent. However, these studies have several methodological limitations that complicate their interpretation. Some studies adjusted for putative confounders like diabetes and cardiovascular disease that may in fact be causal intermediates, although effect estimates were similar with and without adjustment for these factors. No studies measured long-term dietary pattern and few measured dietary intake in mid-life, which are likely to be both more biologically relevant and less susceptible to reverse causation. Additional prospective studies addressing these limitations and evidence from randomized trials will help clarify the issue. In the meantime, a healthy dietary pattern, recommended for lowering risk of cardiovascular disease, may also lower risk of AD, particularly as part of a broader intervention including adequate physical activity and other lifestyle changes. For a review of the putative mechanisms by which dietary pattern may influence AD risk and detailed commentary on interpreting the findings below in a broader context, please view the Discussion. |
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