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No cure has been found for Alzheimer’s disease, which isn’t considered a preventable condition. Anti-inflammatory diets may help slow the progression of the disease and also reduce the risk of developing it.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Experts can’t predict exactly who will develop Alzheimer’s disease, but several factors may increase or decrease the risk. You can’t control some of these factors, such as age and genetics.

Your diet and eating habits may play a role in the development of the condition. Certain eating patterns may lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. For people already with the disease, these may slow the progression.

Diet also helps reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension — conditions associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Diet may have some effect on the main contributing factor to Alzheimer’s disease.

People with the condition have elevated levels of tiny protein pieces called beta-amyloids in their brains. As these proteins build up, they can form clumps and plaque, which interferes with the communication network in the brain.

Researchers have found a few ways that diet may slow down the accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain.

For example, because inflammation may raise beta-amyloid levels, anti-inflammatory eating patterns could help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or slow down its progression.

Diets that promote inflammation and high fats contribute to hardening of the arteries, heart disease, and hypertension. Anti-inflammatory diets, on the other hand, may help to manage these conditions, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Experts estimate that one-third of Alzheimer’s cases are linked to heart disease.

People with type 2 diabetes have a 60% greater risk of developing dementia compared to people without diabetes. Eating patterns to manage blood sugar levels, in this case, can also help protect the brain.

Some evidence suggests that the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet may help slow down the progression of dementia.

Research suggests that a Mediterranean eating pattern reduces the risk of chronic diseases, including dementia. It is high in anti-inflammatory foods, including healthy fats and antioxidants.

Research has also suggested that the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet benefits brain health. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet combines elements of both the Mediterranean and DASH diets and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Both diets are low in saturated fats and encourage you to avoid trans fats.

Read more about the Mediterranean diet.

Based on research, foods that may help reduce the risk and slow down Alzheimer’s disease include:

Researchers have also found that some foods may be associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, including:

  • cheese
  • red and fatty meats like beef, pork, lamb
  • foods with added sugar, such as pastries, baked goods, candy, and soda
  • processed and packaged foods
  • fried foods
  • butter and margarine

These foods are sources of saturated fat and added sugar, which may increase inflammation in the brain and body. Limiting or avoiding these foods is recommended as part of a MIND diet.

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition with several risk factors. Dietary patterns may be just one part of reducing your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Strong evidence exists to support the Mediterranean and MIND diets as part of Alzheimer’s prevention. However, this does not mean you can completely reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Diet is only one factor among many, like physical activity, genetics, exposure to pollution, and others.

While results have been inconclusive and may depend on sample populations, one study showed a 40–54% reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease for people who closely followed a Mediterranean diet.

An older study indicated that participants who most closely followed a MIND eating pattern had a 53% reduced rate of developing Alzheimer’s. Even people who did a moderate job of following the MIND diet benefited, reducing their risk by 35%.

What is the number one food that fights dementia?

There is no single “best” food to fight dementia. Eating patterns that include several anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, nuts, berries, whole grains, beans, and olive oil, may help prevent or slow the disease.

What is the one fruit that may prevent dementia?

Researchers involved in developing the MIND diet found that berries were most protective for the brain. Several studies have suggested that berries are the most beneficial fruit for brain health. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants. However, they cannot completely prevent dementia.

What is a soft diet for people with dementia?

A soft diet includes a variety of soft foods that are safer to eat for people with advanced dementia who may have a higher chance of choking on solid foods. Soft foods are easier to chew and swallow for people with swallowing difficulties but have no impact on preventing or slowing down dementia. Examples of soft foods include cooked vegetables, soft fruit without peels, ground meats, mashed potatoes, fish, yogurt, soups, and overcooked oatmeal.

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition with multiple risk factors. Diet is one modifiable risk factor. Several studies have shown that the Mediterranean and MIND diets may help slow the progression or reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

These eating patterns include plenty of anti-inflammatory foods. They’re also associated with lower beta-amyloid levels in the brain and may help to manage other conditions that increase Alzheimer’s disease risk.