MIND diet linked to slower brain aging by up to 2.5 years

A long-running observational study published around October 1, 2026 reported that adults who stuck closest to the MIND diet showed significantly less brain shrinkage than those who did not. Researchers followed 1,647 participants from the Framingham cohort (54% women, average age 61 at baseline) for an average of about 12 years, using repeated MRI scans and detailed food questionnaires. Each three-point increase in a MIND diet score was linked to about 20% less grey-matter loss and less enlargement of brain ventricles — fluid spaces that expand as surrounding tissue atrophies. The strongest effects translated to roughly 2.5 years of delayed brain aging, a meaningful margin given the cumulative role of grey matter in memory, learning and decision-making. Berries and poultry were associated with the healthiest brain changes, while frequent consumption of sweets and fried fast food was tied to greater tissue loss. The MIND regimen blends elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, emphasising leafy greens, other vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, fish, beans, olive oil and poultry. Authors stressed the study is observational, so it shows association rather than proven causation.