Alzheimer's Biomarker Tests and Anti‑Inflammatory Diet Cut Dementia Risk

Researchers at UC Irvine explain that blood‑based biomarkers can identify Alzheimer's disease pathology before memory loss appears. Dr. Joshua Grill notes that these tests are currently useful for individuals already showing cognitive symptoms and for enrolling participants in early‑intervention clinical trials, though they are not yet recommended for routine screening of asymptomatic people.

A separate longitudinal study of 1,865 adults aged 60 and older tracked over up to 15 years found that adherence to an anti‑inflammatory dietary pattern was associated with a 20%‑30% lower risk of developing dementia, even among participants whose blood tests indicated elevated Alzheimer's‑related biomarkers. The diet emphasized vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, healthy fats and limited ultra‑processed foods, sugary drinks, and processed meats. Other healthy eating patterns, such as Mediterranean‑style diets, also showed protective effects but were less pronounced in the high‑biomarker group.