Research Roundup September 2023
• Diet and Dementia Risk. Adherence to the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH) diet is linked with lower risk of incident dementia in middle-aged and older adults, researchers say. Analyses included data from three cohort studies and a meta-analysis of 11 studies (of more than 18,000 participants). Highest adherence to the MIND diet had a 17 percent lower risk of dementia versus the lowest adherence. The MIND diet blends the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, which emphasize plant-based foods, limits, animal-based foods, and promotes eating leafy greens and berries.
(JAMA Psychiatry, May 2023)
• Processed Foods and Crohn’s Risk. Eating unprocessed or minimally processed foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, is associated with a lower risk of developing Crohn’s disease by half, European researchers say. The study of nearly 400,000 patients (monitored for more than 10 years), found that ultraprocessed foods, such as packaged snacks and sweets and premade meals, were associated with an increased rate of Crohn’s disease.
(Presented at the JFHOD Conference, March 2023)
• Food Swamps Linked to Cancer Death. Low-income food desert or food swamp areas in the U.S. are associated with increased odds of high obesity-related cancer mortality, researchers say. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on food environment and obesity-related cancer deaths from 3,308 counties showed an 77 percent increase in odds of having high obesity-related cancer death rates in high food swamp areas compared to those with low food swamp levels. Food swamp was calculated as the ratio of fast-food and convenience stores to grocery stores and farmers markets. Researchers concluded there is a need for higher access to healthier food.
(JAMA Oncology, May 2023)
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