Study Finds Olive Oil May Help Reduce Risk of Dementia Death

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that consuming olive oil may help lower the risk of death from dementia.

Researchers analyzed data from over 90,000 participants in two large US studies - the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. They found that those who consumed more than 7 grams of olive oil per day (about 1/2 tablespoon) had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia compared to those who rarely or never consumed olive oil.

Key findings:

• Higher olive oil intake was associated with lower dementia mortality risk, even after accounting for overall diet quality
• Replacing 5 grams per day of margarine or mayonnaise with olive oil was linked to 8-14% lower dementia death risk
• The protective effect was stronger in women than in men
• Benefits were seen regardless of genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease

The researchers suggest that olive oil's anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties may help explain its potential cognitive benefits. While more research is needed, this study adds to growing evidence that olive oil consumption may support brain health.

"These findings extend the current dietary recommendations of choosing olive oil and other vegetable oils to the context of cognitive health and related mortality," the study authors concluded.

This large, long-term study provides compelling evidence for including olive oil as part of a brain-healthy diet. However, as an observational study, it cannot prove cause and effect. More clinical trials are needed to confirm olive oil's potential protective effects against dementia.

You can read the full study here

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