According to the health institute, it can make a difference of two years: at the age of 65 you have the mental condition of an average 63-year-old. The researchers also found that cognitive decline between the ages of 55 and 75 is 7 percent less with a healthy diet than with a less balanced menu.
‘Before dementia develops, there is often a long period in which cognitive functions deteriorate. By slowing down this deterioration, the development of dementia can possibly be postponed ”, thinks the RIVM.
Which dietary guidelines people follow does not matter much, the organization says. As long as enough vegetables, fruit and whole grain products are eaten and little meat, saturated or solid fats and added sugars and salt.
People must have eaten healthy for quite some time for the effects to be really noticeable. The study participants were able to get 130 points with their diet, but the healthy eaters got an average of eighty. The unhealthy eaters also made it fifty. There is therefore still room for improvement in both groups, according to the RIVM.
–
