Flavonoid consumption may reduce the risk of dementia, new research shows

New research has found that those who consume more foods rich in flavonoids, such as berries, tea, red wine and dark chocolate, can lower their risk of dementia.

The study was led by a team of researchers at Queen’s University Belfast published Arrived on September 18th JAMA network openedshows that increasing intake of flavonoid-rich foods and drinks could help reduce the risk of developing the incurable disease.

Around 1 million people in Britain are currently living with some form of dementia. This figure is expected to rise to 1.4 million people by 2040.

Although age and genetics contribute substantially to the development of the disease, evidence has shown that risk factors such as diet can play an important role in prevention.

Flavoniodes, found primarily in plant foods, have a range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. They have also been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, as well as improved cognitive function.

The study, led by Professor Aedín Cassidy, Co-Center for Sustainable Food Systems and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s, noted: “The global prevalence of dementia continues to increase rapidly. In this population-based cohort study, we analyzed dietary data from over 120,000 adults between 40 and 70 years of the UK Biobank.

“Our findings show that consuming six extra servings of flavonoid-rich foods per day, particularly berries, tea and red wine, was associated with a 28% lower risk of dementia. The findings were most striking in those at high genetic risk because as well as people with symptoms of depression.”

First author of the study, Dr. Amy Jennings, School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s added: “These results send a clear public health message as they suggest that a simple measure such as increasing daily consumption of flavonoid-rich foods can reduce the risk of dementia. especially in high-risk populations.

“Currently, there is no effective treatment for the disease, so preventive interventions to improve health and quality of life and reduce social and economic costs must remain a key public health priority.”