(February 9, 2009 - Insidermedicine) The cognitive decline that can accompany aging may be diminished by closely following a Mediterranean-style diet, according to research published in the Archives of Neurology.

Here is some information about cognitive impairment:

•    Mild cognitive impairment is a problem of memory and intellectual functioning that is greater than would be expected for one's age.

•    Mild cognitive impairment can be an early sign that a person is developing Alzheimer’s disease.

•    Currently, experts cannot predict which individuals with mild cognitive impairment will go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center assessed the intellectual functioning level of a multiethnic group of Medicare recipients and asked them to complete a food frequency questionnaire. They calculated a score for adherence to a Mediterranean diet among nearly 500 individuals with mild cognitive impairment and nearly 1,400 without any cognitive impairment.

Those who followed a Mediterranean diet most closely were 28% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those whose diet was least like a Mediterranean one. Among those who had mild cognitive impairment at the outset of the study, those who followed the Mediterranean diet most closely were 48% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who followed it the least.

Today’s research highlights the potential of a Mediterranean diet to help stave off reductions in cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.