Mediterranean Diet Supplemented With Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Nuts Helps Improve Memory

INTRO:Following a plant based, Mediterranean diet has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. But does this type of diet also help preserve memory? A new study suggests eating a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts is associated with better memory. Catherine Dolf explains in this week’s JAMA Report.VIDEO

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People shopping in market, various shots of fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts

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A busy market in the heart of Barcelona; fruits and vegetables are plentiful. Shoppers line up to buy fresh fish, olives and nuts—all of these are key foods in a Mediterranean diet. Following this type of diet has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

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SOT/FULL Super@:15 Emilio Ros, M.D., Ph.D., – Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain Runs:07

“We are surprised at the tremendous power of food and nutrients in foods to influence health.”

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Various shots of older people shopping in market, various shots of different foods, Dr. Ros and his staff talking, more food and shoppers, olive oil on shelf

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Recent evidence suggests a relationship between diet and cognitive function. In order to better understand the potential benefits of a mediterranean diet on memory, Dr. Emilio Ros from the Hospital Clínic in Barcelona, Spain and co-authors randomly assigned 447 patients to three different types of diets. All patients were at high risk of developing heart disease and had an average age of 67 years. 2 groups were asked to follow the Mediterranean diet and either add olive oil or nuts.

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SOT/FULL Super@:48 Emilio Ros, M.D., Ph.D., – Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain Runs:04

“They had to consume at least 5 tablespoons full per day.”

(Video covering 2nd part of bite: olive oil being measured out)

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Handful of nuts on plate, people in market, more people shopping, man working with researcher on various tests

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The second group was given a handful of walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts to eat daily. The third, a control group, was just told to reduce the amount of fat in their diet. Patients were followed for an average of 4 years and periodically tested on memory skills.

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SOT/FULL Super@1:05 Emilio Ros, M.D., Ph.D., – Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain Runs:15

“The group with nuts did better compared to the control group in memory tests, memorizing names or words, while the olive oil group did better on tests that require speed of thought, your frontal function, your executive function.”

(Video covering middle of bite: man taking various memory tests)

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The study appears in the Journal, JAMA, Internal Medicine.

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SOT/FULL Super@1:23 Emilio Ros, M.D., Ph.D., – Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain Runs:08

“They improved over baseline, not only counteracted age related cognitive decline but it improved cognition.”

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Older people walking on the street

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Memory function in the control group declined over time, consistent with what is seen with normal aging.

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SOT/FULL Super@1:37 Emilio Ros, M.D., Ph.D., – Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain Runs:11

“It’s never too late to change your diet towards a good diet. You should change your lifestyle before you are ill. It’s like you have a tremendous health capsule, which is your daily food.”

(Video covering middle of bite: food and people at market)

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Dr. Ros on camera

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Catherine Dolf, the JAMA Report.

Tag:This is among the first large clinical trials assessing how diet can affect memory.