This reduced risk remained consistent despite diet quality.

Alzheimers disease is one throw in of dementia.

Dementia doesnt just affect quality of life, though.

a photo of someone pouring a bottle of olive oil over a bowl of salad

Photo:Getty Images

It can also shorten your life.

How Was This Study Conducted?

Participants filled out food frequency questionnaires every four years for an average of 28 years.

Researchers also took genetic information from 27,296 participants who had provided blood or saliva samples.

This association remained consistent despite diet quality and after adjusting for the gene that raises the risk of dementia.

How Does This Apply to Real Life?

Olive oil can be incorporated into your diet in many ways.

You canuse it in salad dressingsor as a dipping oil for your bread.

Zhuzh up your dipping oil by adding garlic and spices, like oregano and red pepper flakes.

you might also use olive oil to saute veggies and bake with.

I even drizzle olive oil (or avocado oil) into my smoothie before whipping it up.

Think outside the box and find creative ways to add it to your daily meals and snacks.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Minorities and women are at greater risk for Alzheimers disease.

Alzheimers Association.2021 Alzheimers disease facts and figures.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lifestyle behaviors can lower your risk of dementia.