In recent years, science has paid increasing attention to the role of diet in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. Among the diets studied, the Mediterranean diet stands out as one of the most promising for brain health: characterised by a high consumption of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, fish and olive oil, this diet has been shown to be a powerful protective tool even against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. These characteristics led to the Mediterranean diet being recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010.
However, scientific research on this diet continues to confirm and discover its many benefits: several recent studies have shown that following the Mediterranean diet can significantly reduce the risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. A meta-analysis published in the journal GeroScience in 2025 confirmed that following this diet helps to preserve cognitive function and slow down neurodegenerative processes. Similarly, studies in the journals Neurology and Nature Communications suggest that the Mediterranean diet may reduce the presence of Alzheimer’s biomarkers as well as the likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis. As for Parkinson’s disease, scientific research is also showing encouraging results. According to a study published in 2022, the Mediterranean diet can positively affect its onset and progression.
But what are the mechanisms behind these benefits? What impact can the Mediterranean diet have on the elderly population and, more generally, how important is it to start following it from an early age? To answer these questions and to better understand the relationship between diet and neurological health, we interviewed Professor Nicola Veronese, a lecturer in Geriatrics at UniCamillus, who, together with Professor Gianfranco Peluso,President of the MSc in Human Nutrition Sciences, represented our University at the recent conference of the Istituto Superiore della Sanità on the Mediterranean diet guidelines.
How do you think the Mediterranean diet can influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease?
“The Mediterranean diet is widely recognised for its beneficial effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health, and in recent years numerous studies have shown a positive association with cognitive health. In particular, it is thought that this diet may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease due to its richness in antioxidants, monounsaturated fatty acids, fibre and anti-inflammatory nutrients. For people already suffering from Alzheimer’s, although clinical efficacy is not fully proven, there is preliminary evidence that a Mediterranean diet may help slow cognitive decline, improve certain aspects of quality of life, and reduce mortality. However, the greatest benefits seem to be seen in those who adopt this diet for preventive purposes, in the early stages of cognitive decline”.
What are the specific neuroprotective mechanisms of the Mediterranean diet that could influence the prevention of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis?
“The neuroprotective mechanisms attributed to the Mediterranean diet are numerous. We have to look at the Mediterranean diet as an orchestra: in this sense, the balance between micro- and macronutrients is the most important aspect. More specifically, the Mediterranean diet helps to reduce oxidative stress and chronic systemic inflammation, both of which are involved in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids, mainly from fish, support synaptic plasticity and neuronal function. Other key elements include polyphenols, found in extra virgin olive oil, fruit and vegetables, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the brain. Also, there is a positive effect on the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, which in turn may have a positive impact on long-term brain health”.
Some studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet may slow the progression of multiple sclerosis: have you observed similar effects in geriatric patients, or do you think the diet may be more useful in the early stages of the disease?
“The scientific evidence for a beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet in multiple sclerosis is still preliminary, but promising. In particular, some studies suggest a slowing down of the disease and an improvement in quality of life in patients who follow a diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients. In geriatric patients, the effects are more difficult to measure, partly due to the coexistence of other comorbidities. In addition, patients with multiple sclerosis often appear frail in old age. However, I believe that a balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet can still promote better nutritional status and a better immune response, which may be useful even in the advanced stages of the disease, although the effects may be less significant than in the early stages”.
How could the Mediterranean diet influence the progression of Parkinson’s disease in elderly patients? Could it be considered as a complementary therapy to improve patients’ quality of life?
“First of all, the nutritional aspects of Parkinson’s disease are very complex: just think of the relationship between protein and medication, which has been studied for years. The Mediterranean diet, with its high content of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective compounds, can be a valuable complementary support in the management of Parkinson’s disease. Although there is no definitive cure for the disease, a healthy diet can help slow the progression of motor and non-motor symptoms, improve bowel function—which is often impaired in patients—and support overall metabolic balance. Unfortunately, this data is based on my clinical experience rather than the literature, as research in Parkinson’s patients is still very limited”.
What are the main difficulties that elderly people may have in following the Mediterranean diet?
“The main difficulties that elderly people may have include problems with chewing and swallowing, reduced appetite or the presence of chronic diseases that limit dietary variety. In addition, social and economic factors such as loneliness or difficulty accessing fresh produce can make it hard to follow a Mediterranean diet. As a result, the cost of adopting a Mediterranean diet is often perceived as high. To counter this, it is important to promote nutritional education programmes, adapt meals to the specific needs of the individual and, where possible, encourage eating together, which also has a positive effect on psychological well-being. Support from dieticians and geriatricians in personalised meal planning can be crucial”.
Is there any research on the effect of the Mediterranean diet on neurological diseases? Do you think there are areas of research that should be further investigated?
“A lot of research is currently being carried out on the effects of the Mediterranean diet on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. In particular, longitudinal cohort studies and randomised clinical trials are attempting to clarify the preventive and therapeutic role of the diet. However, further research is needed, particularly into the underlying molecular mechanisms, the dosage of key foods and the tailoring of nutritional intervention to the stage of the disease. Greater inclusion of frail geriatric patients, who are often under-represented in clinical trials, would also be welcome”.
Do you think it would be more effective to adopt the Mediterranean diet from an early age as a preventive strategy to delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases?
“Yes, adopting the Mediterranean diet from an early age is a particularly effective preventive strategy. The benefits are not limited to the cognitive sphere, but extend to the prevention of cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory diseases, which are often correlated with the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. A healthy diet combined with an active lifestyle can help preserve neuronal integrity, improve cognitive reserve and slow the neurodegenerative processes associated with brain ageing. Prevention in this sense should be a priority of public health policy, starting from young adulthood”.