# Mediterranean and MIND Diets Linked to Lower Dementia Risk in Korean Adults

*Association between dietary patterns and CAIDE-predicted dementia risk: A 20-year cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology study.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: GeroScience
- **Sample Size**: 5,042 Korean adults aged 40-69
- **Authors**: Youn JE, Heo SJ, Lee YJ, Han TH, Kwon YJ, Lee JW
- **Published**: 2026-05-04
- **Topics**: dementia, diet, brain health
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-026-02288-7
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42071132/

## Summary

In a 20-year study of over 5,000 Korean adults, those who stuck closest to the Mediterranean, MIND, or Korean Healthy Eating diets had about 20% lower odds of developing high dementia risk scores. Meanwhile, people eating the most inflammatory foods saw their risk climb. The takeaway lines up with what we already suspect about brain-friendly eating, but it's the first solid evidence in a Korean population.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests sticking with Mediterranean or MIND-style eating patterns may slow the buildup of dementia risk factors.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/mediterranean-and-mind-diets-linked-to-lower-dementia-risk-in-korean-adults · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-05-04_