Mediterranean Diet Helps to Preserve Memory and Cognitive Skills - East Idaho News
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Mediterranean Diet Helps to Preserve Memory and Cognitive Skills

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GETTY H 081512 OliveOil?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1367422650621iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — According to a new study, a Mediterranean diet, high in Omega-3s and low in meat and dairy, may help to preserve memory and cognitive ability.

The study, published in the journal Neurology, was the largest study to date on the impact of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Researchers analyzed data collected from over 17,000 participants with an average age of 64 years old. Each participant was given a series of mental tests over a span of four years.

Among healthy subjects, those who adhered closest to the Mediterranean style diet were almost 20 percent less likely to develop issues with their memory or thinking skills.

Researchers say that because there is no treatment for Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline, a diet that helps to prevent its onset could prove to be of major importance.

Omega-3s are found in most fish, chicken, vegetables and olive oils.

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