Eating a healthy plant-based diet is linked to a 26% lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia, according to a meta-analysis of over 220,000 adults. Researchers emphasize diet quality: while whole foods protect the brain, unhealthful plant diets full of refined carbs actually increase risk.

This meta-analysis suggests that adherence to plant-based diets, particularly those rich in healthful plant foods, may be associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. However, given the residual heterogeneity and the inherent limitations of observational study designs, large ra …