If you are deciding whether or not to eat a healthier diet, then you might want to consider the following: researchers have found that a Mediterranean diet was associated with a decreased chance of having brain infarcts, which are small areas of dead brain tissue that result from lack of blood to the specific area. It can lead to thinking problems as well as speech impediment and memory diminishment. The most common form of brain infarction is a stroke.

In the study in question, doctors examined over 700 people and divided them based on their diets. After an average of six years, they scanned their brains using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and found that one third of the subjects (238) had brain damage in at least one area of the brain.

However, those people who embraced the Mediterranean diet were 36% less likely to have experienced damage to the brain than those whose diets diverged the most. People who were following what was considered a moderate Mediterranean-like diet were 21% less likely to have brain damage than the comparison group.

Previous research done by the same team uncovered a potential link between the Mediterranean diet and a decreased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as an increased survival rate among people who suffer from Alzheimer’s. These effects may in fact be related to the lower incidence of brain infarctions. The authors of the study compared the possible influence of diet on the brain with the relationship between diet and high blood pressure. Brain infarctions are in fact often associated with high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

Brain infarction is defined as necrosis (tissue death) that results from the blood supply being cutoff to isolated regions. Causes for the loss of blood supply include blockage of the artery due to a blood clot, physical compression from a tumor, or damage due to injury or trauma. The subsequent damage to the neural tissue can lead to muscle weakness, especially in the face, numbness, the inability to speak, confusion, and loss of memory. Diagnosis is made via neurological exams and CT or MRI scans.

Many of us are familiar with the Mediterranean diet, and extensive work has been done studying its potential health benefits. It is characterized by an increase consumption of fish, vegetables, cereals, fruit, and legumes, as well as foods that are high in monosaturated fats, including olive oil. The diet also consumes lower amounts of saturated fatty acids, dairy products, and red meat.

When consumed in conjunction with an active and healthy lifestyle, the Mediterranean diet is believed to lower a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers.

For more information about the Mediterranean diet, speak with a dietary expert, and visit the website for the American Heart Association. If you have questions or concerns about brain infarction, speak with your physician.