Citrus consumption and dementia

Citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids which have been shown to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier and to play a part in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Now researchers from Tohoku University have found some evidence to suggest that daily intake of citrus fruits could reduce the risk of dementia developing among older adults by almost 15%.

To investigate the relationship between citrus consumption and incidence of dementia, the team performed statistical analysis using data from the Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study. This study is composed of Japanese people aged 65 years and older, who were living in Ohsaki City, northeastern Japan, on 1 December 2006.

A baseline survey was conducted to collect information on the frequency of citrus consumption in the community. Researchers then followed up with 13,373 responders to see how many in the cohort had developed dementia over a six-year interval.

The researchers found that citrus consumption was positively associated with better cognitive function and a 15% lower risk of dementia.

It is too soon to break out the limes and mandarins as researchers warned that more factors need to be considered before a definitive conclusion about citrus consumption and dementia can be reached.

The researchers have also looked at green tea, mushroom and coffee consumption and dementia — so there is some hope that a dietary approach could be both a simple and effective solution for slowing dementia onset.