Could a drizzle of olive oil hold the key to protecting your brain? New research suggests that this staple of the Mediterranean diet may do more than just support heart health. Studies have linked regular olive oil consumption with a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia, sparking growing interest among doctors and nutrition experts. While there’s no single food that can stop dementia, evidence is mounting that diet plays a powerful role in keeping the brain sharp as we age.

How to Prevent Dementia With the Food You Eat

Whether you're a health conscious person or not, you are likely aware that there are foods good for your heart, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. However, did you know there are healthy brain foods, such as berries, eggs, and dark chocolate, that can help you focus and enhance your memory?

The brain is arguably the most important organ of the body, but it can also be compromised by diseases like dementia. While there are plenty of dementia medication available for people suffering from the disease, what if you knew how to prevent dementia?

Well, the answer might be in your pantry.

What is Dementia?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia describes a group of diseases impacting memory, thinking, and daily life. It progressively worsens and affects millions globally - mainly the elderly.

According to Alzheimer's Disease International, over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, with a new case developing every 3.2 seconds. This number is expected to nearly double every 20 years, highlighting the massive growth of this condition.

What Causes Dementia?

While genenics may be one of the causes of dementia, there are many other environmental factors that can put you at a greater risk.

Take a look at what causes dementia according to the WHO:

• Age (typically adults 65 and older are affected)

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Smoking and alcohol

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Social isolation

• Depression

Early Dementia Signs

As your loved ones age, it's important to keep a close eye on their health and watch out for symptoms of diseases like dementia.

Take a look at some of the early dementia signs according to the WHO:

• Changes in mood or behavior

• Forgetting events

• Losing things

• Getting lost walking or driving

• Confusion

• Having problems making decisions or solving problems

• Trouble finding words

• Misjuding a distance to an object

• Having problems performing daily tasks

Olive Oil For Dementia

While dementia can be a scary disease, new studies show that you might be able to help prevent it with olive oil. A study conducted by JAMA suggests that consuming olive oil everyday is positively linked to a lower risk of dementia.

The study followed 92,383 "cognitively high functioning" people, those of which included 60,582 women and 31,801 men.

Over a 28 year period, researchers reported 4,751 dementia-related deaths. The study found that compared to rarely or never consuming olive oil, the consumption of 7 grams or 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil per day was associated with a 28% lower risk of death from dementia.

Why Olive Oil?

You may have heard of the terms healthy vs. unhealthy fats. Unhealthy fats include foods like butter, fried foods, and pastries. However, healthy fats include foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

According to the American Society for Nutrition, regularly incorporating olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), into your diet might be linked to a reduced risk of fatal dementia.

The potential benefits are attributed to the antioxidant compounds in EVOO that can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially influencing brain function directly.

Another study published in Medical News Today highlights the role of monounsaturated fatty acids in EVOO, which may promote neurogenesis or the growth of new brain cells.

The science is still developing, but the connection between olive oil and brain health is too strong to ignore. By making simple swaps—like choosing olive oil over butter or processed oils—you may not only support your heart but also protect your memory and cognitive function. Dementia remains one of the greatest health challenges of our time, but incorporating olive oil into a balanced, nutrient-rich diet could be one small but meaningful step toward prevention.

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