Those study participants who consumed the most fiber had a risk of dementia that was up to 25 percent lower. This is shown by an evaluation of the nutrition logs of more than 3,700 people. The connection between dementia and the intake of soluble dietary fiber was particularly pronounced. Among the high-fiber foods, potatoes, but not vegetables or fruit, showed a similar effect.
Connection between gut and brain
The researchers speculate that the connection comes about through interactions between the gut and the brain: “One possibility is that soluble fiber regulates the composition of the gut bacteria. This composition could influence the inflammatory processes that play a role in the development of dementia. It’s also possible that fiber reduces other risk factors for dementia, such as body weight, blood pressure, lipids, and glucose levels.”
Soluble fiber is found in foods such as oats and legumes and has beneficial effects on the gut flora. But insoluble fiber, which is found in whole grain products and vegetables, for example, is also important for intestinal health. In many countries, people are now consuming less fiber than recommended. The researchers therefore hypothesize that a healthier diet high in fiber may have the potential to reduce the incidence of dementia.
The participants were healthy at the beginning of the study and between 40 and 64 years old. They were followed up for almost 20 years and it was examined to what extent the diets of those who became dependent on dementia differed from the others.
Which: DOI 10.1080/1028415x.2022.2027592