The Olive Wellness Institute is dedicated to communicating factual, science-based information about olive products and their health benefits, while also busting myths and misconceptions.
The Institute’s Scientific Advisory Committee recently responded to a study gaining media attention around the world, which looked at adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the risk of developing dementia. The study found no effect, however the advisory panel consider there are significant flaws in the study design.
It’s an important issue, particularly given the existing strong evidence to the contrary, so it’s also important that EVOO producers are aware of the facts when speaking with consumers. Here’s the Committee’s response:
“The Scientific Advisory Committee of the Olive Wellness Institute would like to comment on the recent article published in the Neurology journal titled Association Between Dietary Habits in Midlife with Dementia Incidence Over a 20-Year Period.
“This large prospective cohort study of over 28,000 Swedish participants in the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study examined adherence to conventional dietary recommendations or to a modified Mediterranean diet, and at the 20-year follow-up found no association between either dietary approach and dementia risk.
“We acknowledge there are clear strengths in the prospective design, study sample size and years of follow-up, however, we are concerned with the methodological approach in defining the Mediterranean diet and classifying adherence to it. We are also concerned by the extensive media attention the study has generated, most of which has focused solely on the lack of association with a Mediterranean diet and dementia risk and not the overall findings of the study which showed no association of any of the diets with dementia risk.”
Read the full response on the Olive Wellness Institute website here.
