Eating a Mediterranean diet could reduce your risk of dementia and lead to a longer life. Here's how to get started

High angle view of fresh Mediterranean platters on table. (Credit: Getty Images)

Key takeaways

• Adhering to a Mediterranean diet could reduce the risk of developing dementia by 23%.
• A Mediterranean diet is rich in seafood,  fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Dementia impacts 55 million people around the world.

There are many benefits to abiding by a Mediterranean diet, but new research suggests that doing so could reduce the risk of developing dementia by nearly a quarter. According to the study, which was published in BMC Medicine on Monday, participants who ate a traditional Mediterranean-type diet—rich in seafood, fruit, and nuts—had up to a 23% lower risk for dementia than those who did not.