The role of olive oil in enhancing diet quality and reducing dementia-related mortality

One-third of older adults pass away with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. While deaths from diseases like stroke and heart disease have been declining, dementia-related deaths have been increasing. The Mediterranean diet, known for its heart health benefits, is now also being recognized for its positive effects on brain health. Olive oil, a key part of this diet, is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants that may help protect the brain.

Studies, such as the PREDIMED trial, have shown that higher olive oil consumption, along with the Mediterranean diet, can help prevent cognitive decline. Most research has been done in countries where olive oil is commonly consumed, but studying its effects in the U.S., where people eat less olive oil, could provide new insights.

A recent study published in JAMA explored the association between olive oil consumption and the risk of dementia-related death among U.S. adults. The study also examined how diet quality, measured by adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), influences this risk.

The study analyzed data from two large U.S. studies: the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS). These studies included over 90,000 participants, whose diets were assessed using detailed food questionnaires. Participants were grouped based on their olive oil consumption, and various lifestyle and health factors were considered in the analysis.
Over about 2.2 million years of follow-up, the study recorded 4,751 dementia-related deaths. Participants who consumed the most olive oil (over 7 grams per day) had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia compared to those who rarely or never consumed olive oil. This was true even after accounting for overall diet quality.

Replacing other fats like margarine and mayonnaise with olive oil, but not butter or other vegetable oils, was linked to a lower risk of dementia-related death. These findings highlight the specific benefits of olive oil in reducing dementia mortality.
The findings from JAMA support the idea that olive oil and the Mediterranean diet can benefit brain health. Olive oil may protect the brain by improving blood vessel health and reducing inflammation. The results were particularly strong for women, but more research is needed to understand if men benefit in the same way.
Including olive oil in your diet may help reduce the risk of dementia-related death. Replacing margarine and mayonnaise with olive oil could be especially beneficial. This adds to the many reasons why olive oil should be a staple in your kitchen.

This blog post highlights the significant benefits of olive oil for brain health and longevity, showing how important dietary choices are for maintaining brain function.
For more tips on incorporating olive oil into your diet, check our Get inspired posts.