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The natural process of ageing doesn’t just take a toll on our body but it impacts the brain as well. Sometimes, abnormal clumps of proteins that can be a marker of Alzheimer’s disease take form in the ageing brain. But new research shows there may be a way to protect yourself.

Researchers have found that older adults may benefit from a specific diet called the MIND diet even when they develop these protein deposits. These deposits in the brain typically interfere with thinking and problem-solving skills.

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People who followed the MIND diet moderately later in life did not have cognition problems, found the study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

The MIND diet is a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. As part of the diet, a person in the study must eat at least three servings of whole grains, a green leafy vegetable and one other vegetable every day -- along with a glass of wine.

They would snack most days on nuts, have beans every other day or so, eat poultry and berries at least twice a week and fish at least once a week. Adhering to the diet also meant limiting the intake of unhealthy foods defined as red meat, butter and stick margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast food.

Researchers explained that the diet seemed to protect against decline and may contribute to cognitive resilience in the elderly. In fact, a higher MIND diet score was linked with better memory and thinking skills independently of Alzheimer's disease pathology and other common age-related brain pathologies.

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