A 10-Year Trial Found a Diet to Help Prevent Alzheimer’s in Black Americans

Cognitive decline, a gradual deterioration of mental abilities, is a growing concern worldwide. For Black Americans, this issue is particularly significant due to historical and ongoing health disparities. Factors such as systemic racism, limited access to healthcare, and higher rates of chronic diseases have disproportionately impacted the health and well-being of Black communities. One area of particular concern is cognitive health. Studies have shown that Black Americans are at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia compared to their White counterparts. This disparity can be attributed to a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. What is the MIND diet? The MIND diet, a dietary pattern that combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, offers a promising approach to mitigating cognitive decline. This diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, and poultry while limiting red meat, sweets, and fried foods. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of the MIND diet for overall health, including reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. How does the MIND diet work for Black Americans? For Black Americans, the MIND diet may be particularly beneficial. A recent 10-year-long study published in Neurology found that...