A long-running study published in Nature Aging tracked over 2,400 adults (average age 71.5) for 15 years. Researchers identified three diets linked to slower development of chronic brain diseases like dementia and heart disease: the MIND diet (brain-focused), the AHEI diet (general health), and the AMED diet (modified Mediterranean). All three emphasize vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and unsaturated fats, while limiting sweets, red meat, and processed meats.
Conversely, a pro-inflammatory diet-heavy on red meat, processed meat, refined grains, and sugary drinks, with few vegetables-was associated with faster development of dementia and heart disease. The study found no link between these diets and chronic muscle or bone conditions. Lead researcher Adrian Carballo-Casla of Sweden's Karolinska Institute noted the importance of diet in influencing multimorbidity in aging populations.