Cheese and Wine Good for Combating Alzheimer’s

An Iowa State University research study published in the November 2020 issue of Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has concluded that the foods we eat may directly impact our future cognitive acuity. Headed by Auriel Willette, an assistant professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Brandon Klinedinst, a Neuroscience PhD candidate working in the Food Science and Human Nutrition department, the study is a first-of-its-kind analysis of the effect of specific foods on cognitive acuity in later years. Analysis was done of data collected from 1,787 adults aged from 46 to 77 years through the UK Biobank, a database containing genetic and health information of 500,000 participants. The participants completed a Fluid Intelligence Test (FIT) at baseline (compiled between 2006 and 2010) and then in two follow-up assessments (conducted from 2012-2013 and 2015-2016). The FIT analysis gives a good idea of an individual’s ability to “think on the fly.”

The participants answered questions in a Food Frequency Questionnaire regarding their food and alcohol consumption at baseline and through two follow-up assessments. The questions were about their intake of raw vegetables and salad, fresh fruit, dried fruit, cooked vegetables, processed meat, poultry, lamb, pork, beef, oily fish, lean fish, cheese, bread, cereal, tea, coffee, beer, cider, white wine, red wine, champagne, and liquor.

The most significant findings from the study were as follows:

1. Cheese was shown to be the most protective food against age related cognitive problems.
2. Daily intake of alcohol, especially red wine, was shown to improve cognitive function.
3. Weekly consumption of lamb was shown to improve long-term cognitive acuity.
4. Excessive consumption of salt is bad; however, only those already at risk for Alzheimer’s may need to watch their intake to prevent cognitive problems later on.

The research concluded that while genetic factors have a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease, the right food choices can help in preventing the disease and cognitive decline.

Reference: News Medical, December 10, 2020,