Study Links Anti-Inflammatory Diets to 29% Lower Dementia Risk in High-Risk Older Adults
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 6
Study Links Anti-Inflammatory Diets to 29% Lower Dementia Risk in High-Risk Older Adults
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 6
Summary
A JAMA Network Open study of more than 1,800 Swedish adults aged 60 and older found diets with lower inflammatory potential were tied to less dementia over up to 15 years, with 240 cases diagnosed.
Among participants with elevated Alzheimer’s-related p-tau217, stronger adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet was associated with a 29% lower dementia risk; similar reductions appeared with two other brain-injury and inflammation biomarkers.
Researchers defined the pattern by more vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains, and fewer sugary drinks, ultraprocessed foods and red meat—closely overlapping with a Mediterranean-style diet.
The study was observational, so it cannot prove diet prevented dementia, and its Sweden-based, self-reported food data may not fully generalize.
The findings add to evidence that modifiable habits—especially diet, exercise, vascular risk control, sleep and avoiding smoking—may help protect brain health as people age.
Blood tests show Alzheimer's risk. Can changing your diet now still protect your brain from dementia?
If diet can fight dementia, is this a real solution for everyone or only for the wealthy?
Landmark 2026 Study: Anti-Inflammatory Diet Slashes Dementia Risk, Even for High-Risk Individuals with Alzheimer’s Biomarkers
Overview
A major Swedish study published in June 2026 followed adults over 60 who did not have dementia, using repeated dietary surveys and blood tests to track their health over time. The research found that people who consistently ate an anti-inflammatory diet had a much lower risk of developing dementia. Importantly, this protective effect was seen even in those who already had blood markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease. These findings highlight that long-term healthy eating can help reduce dementia risk, even for people with early biological signs of the disease.