Can the Mediterranean diet decrease the risk of depression in older persons – a systematic review

Sometimes, elderly people’s depressive symptoms are misdiagnosed or ignored since they are thought to be a normal part of becoming older. A considerable share of those 75 and older may suffer from a major depressive episode. Due to the Mediterranean diet’s anti-inflammatory qualities, it is hypothesized that it could prevent the onset of depression and lessen its symptoms. In this systematic review by Rudzińska et al. (2022), the authors sought to find out if a person’s fidelity to the Mediterranean diet is associated with the prevalence and seriousness of depressive symptoms in those over 65 years of age. Of the 317 recognized articles, 9 studies were included. The findings of the studies discussed in the review suggest that elderly patients who follow the Mediterranean diet’s tenets may enjoy reductions in depressive symptoms, which justifies further investigation into the connection between the Mediterranean diet and its various elements with senior patients’ mental health. [NPID: Depression, Mediterranean diet, elderly]

Year: 2022

Reference: Rudzińska, A., Perera, I., Gryglewska, B., Gąsowski, J., & Piotrowicz, K. (2022). Can the Mediterranean diet decrease the risk of depression in older persons - a systematic review. Czy dieta śródziemnomorska może zmniejszać ryzyko depresji u osób w starszym wieku – przegląd systematyczny piśmiennictwa. Psychiatria polska, 1–16. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/140465