Olive oil lowers risk of dementia-related death, says study

Replacing five grams a day intake of mayonnaise and margarine (vanaspati) with olive oil in equal amounts was found to be associated with a 14 percent and eight percent lower risk of death due to dementia, respectively, new research has found.

Dementia blues

Dementia is a broad term used to describe a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, cognitive abilities, and other thinking skills.

It is not a specific disease but rather a syndrome characterised by a progressive loss of cognitive function beyond what is considered a normal part of aging.

Common symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulty with language and communication, impaired judgment, disorientation, and changes in mood or behaviour.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for around 60-70 percent of cases.

Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, which occurs due to impaired blood flow to the brain, and Lewy body dementia, characterised by the presence of abnormal protein deposits in the brain.

Dementia can have a profound impact on individuals, their families, and caregivers, as it gradually impairs a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and maintain independence.

While there is currently no cure for most types of dementia, early diagnosis, and appropriate management strategies can help improve quality of life and delay the progression of symptoms.

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The study

An international team of researchers, including those at Harvard University, US, observed over 92,000 adults in the US for 28 years to study the effects of olive oil intake on the risk of dementia-related death.

“Consuming at least 7 grams per day of olive oil was associated with a 28 percent lower risk of dementia-related death compared with never or rarely consuming olive oil,” the authors wrote.

They also found that the results held good regardless of diet quality.

“Beyond the heart’s health, the findings extend the current dietary recommendations of choosing olive oil and other vegetable oils for cognitive-related health,” the study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, said.

Also Read: 10 hours of sitting a day could put you at risk of developing dementia

Lower death risk

Regular intake of olive oil may lower death risk from dementia by improving the heart’s health, the researchers said.

Previous studies showed that compounds in olive oil, especially extra-virgin olive oil, may lower inflammation and oxidative stress.

It also restores the functioning of the blood-brain barrier, which is known to falter in dementia and, thus, allows for the crossing of molecules toxic to the brain, the authors explained.

Following diets, such as the Mediterranean, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), and MIND (Mediterranean and DASH), all of which include olive oil, along with green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fish, have shown to improve brain structure and cognitive function, the researchers said.

Also Read: Hearing aids may lower cognitive decline in older adults with dementia risk

Specific role of olive oil

This highlighted a “potentially specific role for olive oil,” as the team found that the highest olive oil intake had the lowest dementia-related death risk.

The participants with the APOE e4 (Apolipoprotein E4) gene, the most common genetic risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, were found to be about five to nine times likelier to die due to dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

However, the results regarding olive oil intake held good even after accounting for this factor, the authors said.

“Olive oil may exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects due to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and other compounds with antioxidant properties such as vitamin E and polyphenols,” Hyderabad-based Neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar said about the possible mechanism for lower dementia due to consumption of olive oil.

Olive oil consumption is associated with lower dementia-related death

🟢Olive oil consumption is associated with lower deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and respiratory diseases.

➡️In a recent study, 92,383 people (65% women,… pic.twitter.com/DqXADsykW8

— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) May 7, 2024

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Other health benefits of Olive Oil

Olive oil offers numerous health benefits due to its rich content of monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds.

Studies have shown that olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, provides a range of positive effects on health. These benefits include:

1. Heart Health: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats like oleic acid, which can reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel health, lower blood pressure, and protect against heart disease.

2. Antioxidant Properties: Olive oil contains powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation, protect against oxidative damage, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The antioxidants in olive oil, particularly oleocanthal, have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen, which can help reduce inflammation and pain.

4. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that olive oil may reduce the risk of certain cancers due to its ability to reduce oxidative damage and fight cancer cells.

5. Neuroprotective Effects: Olive oil has shown benefits in improving brain function, protecting against Alzheimer’s disease, and reducing anxiety and depression.

6. Diabetes Management: Olive oil has been linked to beneficial effects on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

7. Digestive Health: Olive oil lubricates the digestive system, promotes regular bowel movements, and prevents digestive diseases like constipation.

(Edited by Majnu Babu).