A prospective cohort study, published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, investigated the association between adherence to the MIND diet and longitudinal brain structural changes over a decade. The MIND diet combines principles from the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets. This research utilized objective outcomes through brain imaging and multiple assessments of diet and brain volume over a 12-year period. Following its publication, experts provided reactions to the study's findings and methodology.
Expert Reactions and Interpretations
Observations on Methodology and Causality
Dr. Mohammad Talaei (Queen Mary University of London)Dr. Talaei noted the study's use of objective brain imaging outcomes and long follow-up period as significant strengths. He emphasized that while observational evidence is crucial, experimental studies are needed for definitive dietary recommendations.
"While observational evidence is crucial, experimental studies are needed for definitive dietary recommendations."
He questioned the temporality of the observed effect, as baseline grey matter volume was similar between participants with the highest and lowest adherence to the MIND diet, suggesting dietary habits might predate the baseline measurements. Dr. Talaei also highlighted that stronger associations were observed among more physically active, non-overweight participants, indicating potential benefits of combined lifestyle strategies, though statistical interactions may not always reflect biological ones. He concluded by mentioning that dietary patterns are powerful but context-dependent and challenging to translate across diverse food cultures.
Dr. Jacqui Hanley (Alzheimer’s Research UK)Dr. Hanley stated the research suggests slower signs of brain aging in individuals following the MIND diet. However, she confirmed the study does not prove a direct protective effect or measure impacts on memory or thinking.
"The research suggests slower signs of brain aging in individuals following the MIND diet but does not prove a direct protective effect or measure impacts on memory or thinking."
She added that these findings contribute to the growing evidence that a balanced diet, physical activity, and other healthy steps support brain health, and called for more long-term studies in diverse populations.
Prof. Catey Bunce (Royal Statistical Society)Prof. Bunce advised caution in interpreting the findings. She highlighted that while the study suggests the MIND diet may support brain health and delay aspects of structural brain aging, it should not be considered definitive evidence.
"While the study suggests the MIND diet may support brain health and delay aspects of structural brain aging, it should not be considered definitive evidence."
She pointed out a limitation where the final analysis was conducted on approximately 32% (1,647 participants) of the potentially eligible group.
Prof. Claudia Cooper (Queen Mary University of London)Prof. Cooper agreed that the study adds to evidence linking healthier diets with reduced dementia risk. However, she affirmed that it cannot conclude the MIND diet directly caused the observed benefits. She advocated for high-quality, long-term intervention studies to inform dementia prevention strategies.
"The study adds to evidence linking healthier diets with reduced dementia risk, but it cannot conclude the MIND diet directly caused the observed benefits."
Specific Findings and Previous Research Connections
Prof. Eef Hogervorst (Loughborough University)Prof. Hogervorst detailed that the Framingham Heart Study observed that individuals aged 60+ who adhered to the MIND diet had greater grey matter volume and smaller brain ventricles, indicating less brain volume loss.
"Individuals aged 60+ who adhered to the MIND diet had greater grey matter volume and smaller brain ventricles, indicating less brain volume loss."
She noted this aligns with prior observational studies and meta-analyses that suggested an overall 15-22% reduction in dementia risk for Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets. Specifically, berries and poultry consumption were found beneficial, while fried foods and whole grain carbohydrates were associated with less favorable outcomes—a finding regarding whole grains that she found surprising.
Hogervorst also pointed out that participants with higher MIND diet adherence were often women, educated, non-overweight, non-smokers, and less likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. She acknowledged potential inaccuracies in Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs), particularly in individuals experiencing cognitive decline. She also mentioned that most treatment studies have not shown the MIND diet to reduce cognitive decline, with an exception in obese participants. She concluded that maintaining brain health and preventing dementia involves a combination of lifestyle behaviors, including not smoking, physical activity, and managing health conditions like prediabetes and hypertension, beyond diet alone.
Publication Details
The study, titled ‘Adherence to the MIND diet and longitudinal brain structural changes over a decade: evidence from the Framingham heart study offspring cohort’ by Hui Chen et al., was published on March 17, 2026. The DOI is 10.1136/jnnp-2025-336957.