Consuming more foods and beverages rich in flavonoids, such as berries, tea, and red wine, could reduce the risk of dementia by 28%, suggests a study.
It is projected that the number of people living with this disease worldwide will nearly triple, reaching 153 million by 2050, posing an increasingly significant threat to global health and social care systems.
Age and genetics remain the most important risk factors; however, experts state that nearly half of cases could be prevented or delayed, and there is growing evidence that diet may play a role in the risk of developing the disease.
Increasing the consumption of foods and beverages rich in flavonoids could contribute to reducing the risk of dementia by more than a quarter, according to research conducted by Queen’s University Belfast.
Academics have stated that flavonoids, primarily found in plant-based foods, have a range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. They have also been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, as well as improved cognitive function.
The findings were published in the JAMA Network Open journal.
The global prevalence of dementia continues to rise rapidly. In this population-based cohort study, we analyzed dietary data from over 120,000 adults aged between 40 and 70 years from the UK Biobank, said the study’s lead researcher, Prof. Aedin Cassidy.
Consuming an additional serving of flavonoid-rich foods per day, particularly berries, tea, and red wine, was associated with a 28% lower risk of dementia, our findings show. These effects were most notable in individuals with a high genetic risk, as well as those with symptoms of depression.
The study’s first author, Dr. Amy Jennings, also from Queen’s, stated that the results suggest that taking a simple measure, such as increasing daily consumption of flavonoid-rich foods, can reduce the risk of dementia, especially in high-risk individuals.
Currently, there is no effective treatment for this disease, so preventive interventions to improve health and quality of life and reduce social and economic costs should continue to be a major priority in public health, she said.
Last month, a significant report from the Lancet Commission on dementia concluded that addressing 14 modifiable risk factors, starting from childhood and continuing throughout life, could prevent or delay 45% of dementia cases.
