Could Fatty Food Prevent Fatal Dementia? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Several factors influence the risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia, some of which are beyond your control. However, incorporating a liquid fat, also known as olive oil may have a positive impact.

The phenols in olive oil, especially oleocanthal, have been implicated in the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet on brain health.

A new study suggests that following this diet is associated with a 28% decreased risk of early death from dementia.

Olive Oil for a Healthy Brain?

Regularly using olive oil linked to 28% reduced likelihood of dementia-related death

Recent research indicates that including olive oil in your dietary routine may contribute to lowering the odds of succumbing to dementia. With increasing incidences of Alzheimer’s disease and various other forms of dementia worldwide, the study provides a glimmer of hope that through lifestyle modifications such as dietary adjustments, it may be possible to avert or mitigate the impact of these harrowing disorders.

Anne-Julie Tessier, RD, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the lead author of the study, emphasized the value of vegetable oils, specifically olive oil. She said, “Our study reinforces dietary guidelines recommending vegetable oils such as olive oil and suggests that these recommendations not only support heart health but potentially brain health, as well. Opting for olive oil, a natural product, instead of fats such as margarine and commercial mayonnaise is a safe choice and may reduce the risk of fatal dementia.”

Effects of Olive Oil on Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions where cognitive or memory deficits interfere with daily functioning. Alzheimer’s, a progressive and deadly disease, is the most prevalent form of dementia, affecting an estimated 5.7 million Americans.

The research is the first to look at the link between food and deaths from dementia.

The team examined dietary surveys and death certificates collected from over 90,000 Americans spanning thirty years, during which time 4,749 participants succumbed to dementia.

The findings revealed that those who ingested more than half a tablespoon of olive oil daily exhibited a 28% decreased risk of dementia-related death, compared to those who seldom or never used olive oil. Furthermore, replacing a teaspoon of margarine and mayonnaise with an equivalent quantity of olive oil each day correlated with an 8-14% reduced risk of dementia-related death.

While it is noted that people who routinely choose olive oil over processed or animal fats often maintain healthier diets overall, Tessier stated that the correlation between olive oil and reduced dementia mortality risk in this study was irrespective of overall diet quality. This hints that olive oil might contain properties specifically advantageous for brain health.

How Does Olive Oil Improve Cognitive Health?

Tessier explained, “Some antioxidant compounds in olive oil can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially having a direct effect on the brain. It is also possible that olive oil has an indirect effect on brain health by benefiting cardiovascular health.”

Previous research has associated increased olive oil consumption with a decreased risk of cardiac disease. Incorporating olive oil into a Mediterranean diet pattern has been proven to help defend against cognitive decline.

Should You Add Olive Oil to Your Diet to Improve Brain Health?

Despite these promising findings, Tessier emphasized that the study was observational and didn’t establish that olive oil directly resulted in a reduced risk of dementia-related death.

Further studies, like randomized controlled trials, would be required to validate these effects and determine the optimal amount of olive oil to consume to achieve these benefits.

Nevertheless, the study aligns with dietary guidelines and strengthens the argument that substituting olive oil for margarine or mayonnaise can support a healthy diet.

The findings will be unveiled at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, NUTRITION 2023, taking place in Boston from July 22–25.

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