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Diet for the MIND: The Latest Science on What to Eat to Prevent Alzheimer's and Cognitive Decline
From the creator of the MIND diet, the authoritative guide to eating for a healthy brain and optimal cognitive function.
Several factors play into whether you will suffer from cognitive decline and develop Alzheimer's disease -- lifestyle, health conditions, environment, and genetics, for example. But now there is scientific evidence indicating that diet plays a bigger role in brain health than we ever thought before. In Diet for the MIND, one of the leaders in this research provides an easy, non-invasive, and effective way to prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease through diet and lifestyle.
There are specific foods and nutrients that are important for keeping the brain functioning optimally, and also foods to limit because they can cause brain injury. With 80 delicious recipes for every occasion, Diet for the MIND is your roadmap to a healthy brain -- for life.
Several factors play into whether you will suffer from cognitive decline and develop Alzheimer's disease -- lifestyle, health conditions, environment, and genetics, for example. But now there is scientific evidence indicating that diet plays a bigger role in brain health than we ever thought before. In Diet for the MIND, one of the leaders in this research provides an easy, non-invasive, and effective way to prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease through diet and lifestyle.
There are specific foods and nutrients that are important for keeping the brain functioning optimally, and also foods to limit because they can cause brain injury. With 80 delicious recipes for every occasion, Diet for the MIND is your roadmap to a healthy brain -- for life.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published December 26, 2017
214 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 8, 2017
Cognitive Decline Does Not Have To Be Your Destiny
In DIET FOR THE MIND, Dr. Martha Clare Morris says that we can do much to fend-off dementia: “It is possible to delay the symptoms of dementia in later life by taking control of your health.”
Before spending much time reading this book, I wanted to know WHY I should believe the author—that is, how is she qualified to give advice on this subject? Well, it turns out the author’s credentials are stellar. Dr. Morris is a professor of Epidemiology at Rush University and has a doctorate from Harvard. She has been researching cognitive decline for 20 years.
Here’s the key to the professor’s findings: The same good practices that help your physical health also improve your brain. It comes down to what we eat, and how much we move: “Diet and physical activity are at the root of nearly all major chronic conditions and diseases. Focusing on these two basic components of daily living is key to aging healthfully.”
Much of the book is dedicated to guidelines for eating. In Chapter 3: “Foods For Everyday Eating,” we are exhorted to eat lots of leafy green vegetables: “Among all the different types of vegetables out there, the leafy green variety has shown to be among the most important for protecting cognitive abilities. . .” Here’s something I didn’t know: Go for the DARK-leaved veggies: “The darker the leaves, the greater the source of brain-healthy nutrients.”
In Chapter 4: “Foods to Eat Every Week,” I was delighted to find that walnuts take the prize for best nut: “If you had to pick a winner for brain-enhancing nuts, walnuts would take first prize. . . two to five servings of this brain food per week were associated with 37 percent fewer deaths from coronary heart disease.”
The author not only suggests what we SHOULD eat—she says what we should AVOID. So, we read in Chapter 5 about “Brainless Foods That Harm the Mind.” The foods here are pretty much what you would expect: fried food, fast food, fatty food, sugary food.
Luckily for me, chocolate is NOT listed as one of the “Brainless Foods.” I was encouraged by the small section on chocolate, entitled, “Is Chocolate A Brain Food?” The author notes that some studies show a link between cocoa and increased blood flow to the brain. (I hope more studies will show that!)
So all in all, I found DIET FOR THE MIND to be a credible book with lots of practical ideas. Dr. Morris writes clearly, making the book easy to read. She also cites lots of research studies to back up her claims. The latter part of the book contains suggestions and recipes for putting into practice the lifestyle and dietary changes recommended by the author.
One interesting observation: The author is currently running a study to confirm how well her recommended diet regimen protects again cognitive decline. It will be interesting to see how well the results of this study support her dietary recommendations.
For further reading on this subject, I also recommend, The Alzheimer's Solution: A Breakthrough Program by Dean Sherzai and Ayesha Sherzai. The physician-authors reach a nearly identical conclusions as in this book.
Advance Review Copy courtesy of the Publisher.
In DIET FOR THE MIND, Dr. Martha Clare Morris says that we can do much to fend-off dementia: “It is possible to delay the symptoms of dementia in later life by taking control of your health.”
Before spending much time reading this book, I wanted to know WHY I should believe the author—that is, how is she qualified to give advice on this subject? Well, it turns out the author’s credentials are stellar. Dr. Morris is a professor of Epidemiology at Rush University and has a doctorate from Harvard. She has been researching cognitive decline for 20 years.
Here’s the key to the professor’s findings: The same good practices that help your physical health also improve your brain. It comes down to what we eat, and how much we move: “Diet and physical activity are at the root of nearly all major chronic conditions and diseases. Focusing on these two basic components of daily living is key to aging healthfully.”
Much of the book is dedicated to guidelines for eating. In Chapter 3: “Foods For Everyday Eating,” we are exhorted to eat lots of leafy green vegetables: “Among all the different types of vegetables out there, the leafy green variety has shown to be among the most important for protecting cognitive abilities. . .” Here’s something I didn’t know: Go for the DARK-leaved veggies: “The darker the leaves, the greater the source of brain-healthy nutrients.”
In Chapter 4: “Foods to Eat Every Week,” I was delighted to find that walnuts take the prize for best nut: “If you had to pick a winner for brain-enhancing nuts, walnuts would take first prize. . . two to five servings of this brain food per week were associated with 37 percent fewer deaths from coronary heart disease.”
The author not only suggests what we SHOULD eat—she says what we should AVOID. So, we read in Chapter 5 about “Brainless Foods That Harm the Mind.” The foods here are pretty much what you would expect: fried food, fast food, fatty food, sugary food.
Luckily for me, chocolate is NOT listed as one of the “Brainless Foods.” I was encouraged by the small section on chocolate, entitled, “Is Chocolate A Brain Food?” The author notes that some studies show a link between cocoa and increased blood flow to the brain. (I hope more studies will show that!)
So all in all, I found DIET FOR THE MIND to be a credible book with lots of practical ideas. Dr. Morris writes clearly, making the book easy to read. She also cites lots of research studies to back up her claims. The latter part of the book contains suggestions and recipes for putting into practice the lifestyle and dietary changes recommended by the author.
One interesting observation: The author is currently running a study to confirm how well her recommended diet regimen protects again cognitive decline. It will be interesting to see how well the results of this study support her dietary recommendations.
For further reading on this subject, I also recommend, The Alzheimer's Solution: A Breakthrough Program by Dean Sherzai and Ayesha Sherzai. The physician-authors reach a nearly identical conclusions as in this book.
Advance Review Copy courtesy of the Publisher.
August 7, 2018
The author was a principle researcher on a very large multi-year study conducted by Rush Hospital. I thought the research was compelling, her writing was clear, The suggested protocol has a couple of aspects that are a little challenging, but overall it is very doable and makes sense. This is a way I enjoy eating and it has made me feel a little more empowered instead of just waiting for destiny.
Five stars does not mean a riveting read, but rather that this is a book I'm so grateful exists.
Five stars does not mean a riveting read, but rather that this is a book I'm so grateful exists.
December 31, 2017
I'm still young but Alzheimer's sadly runs in my family so I picked up this book to learn how I can change my diet to lower my chances of developing this horrible disease. It didn't disappoint.
The author explains how dementia and Alzheimer's change the brain and then delves into the scientific literature to discover what foods can prevent or slow down these changes and which ones accelerate them. Nutrition is a hot topic these days and new diets promising miracles spring up all the time. It's hard to know what to believe and what foods are really good and which are bad so it's refreshing to see the author take a scientific-based approach to the matter. The results are far from surprising. You need to up your intake of fruits and vegs and cut down on sugar. Well, there's more to it than that, but you'll have to read the book to find out what other food groups to eat more of and what's best to have in moderation.
The first part of the book is all about debunking common diet myths and explaining what the best diet to keep the mind lucid and young in old age is. The second part provides lots of yummy recipes that'll help you put the diet into practice.
One more thing: the author writes in a simple way. You don't have to worry about not being able to understand complicated scientific jargon. There's nothing of the sort here. The author speaks in plain English and the book flows really easily. Highly recommended.
The author explains how dementia and Alzheimer's change the brain and then delves into the scientific literature to discover what foods can prevent or slow down these changes and which ones accelerate them. Nutrition is a hot topic these days and new diets promising miracles spring up all the time. It's hard to know what to believe and what foods are really good and which are bad so it's refreshing to see the author take a scientific-based approach to the matter. The results are far from surprising. You need to up your intake of fruits and vegs and cut down on sugar. Well, there's more to it than that, but you'll have to read the book to find out what other food groups to eat more of and what's best to have in moderation.
The first part of the book is all about debunking common diet myths and explaining what the best diet to keep the mind lucid and young in old age is. The second part provides lots of yummy recipes that'll help you put the diet into practice.
One more thing: the author writes in a simple way. You don't have to worry about not being able to understand complicated scientific jargon. There's nothing of the sort here. The author speaks in plain English and the book flows really easily. Highly recommended.
March 11, 2018
March 11 2018 update:
By eating to the guidelines I lowered my cholesterol 60 points. I was about 85% compliant on the guidelines and still made big gains. LOVE these recommendations and it's not hard to eat to the guidelines.
Wonderful book! Thanks Kelsey for recommending it.
March 3, 2020
This is a great book I picked up from the library. I’m a vegetarian and a lot of the recipes do not pertain to me.
But a lot of great information. . . If you’re familiar with DASH diet , then the MIND diet will be easy for you. It combines the basic tenets of the DASH and Mediterranean diets. Low saturated fat, low sodium , limit sugar , rich in fruits, veggies , nuts , healthy fats, and even red wine !
But a lot of great information. . . If you’re familiar with DASH diet , then the MIND diet will be easy for you. It combines the basic tenets of the DASH and Mediterranean diets. Low saturated fat, low sodium , limit sugar , rich in fruits, veggies , nuts , healthy fats, and even red wine !
September 1, 2023
If you’re interested in healthy aging—particularly in the area of Cognition—this is an excellent resource.
Recommended to me by an MD specializing in Geriatrics and Dementia, this book is research-based and yet still accessible to non-medical people.
I borrowed this copy, but will purchase it and try some of the recipes in the second half.
Recommended to me by an MD specializing in Geriatrics and Dementia, this book is research-based and yet still accessible to non-medical people.
I borrowed this copy, but will purchase it and try some of the recipes in the second half.
May 8, 2020
Very informative. Very persuasive. Very important. (Also, very sensible. The recommendations seem remarkably do-able.)
December 6, 2017
I did get this compliments of Good reads, but the opinion is my own.
I highly recommend this book, as it tells you which foods to have every day, and weekly. Dr. Martha Clare Morris has done significant research on which vitamins have been accepted as working for brain health. This is just what I needed with a mother with Alzheimers. I am adding the daily suggestions first.
The first half of the book tells about the latest research that has been done on many of the well known "mind fixing" ingredients like ginkgo biloba, turmeric, resveratrol and others. The second half includes recipes that give us ideas on how to incorporate foods that have ingredients that help the brain.
I guess that time will tell if she is correct, but I am comforted by her suggestions and research.
I highly recommend this book, as it tells you which foods to have every day, and weekly. Dr. Martha Clare Morris has done significant research on which vitamins have been accepted as working for brain health. This is just what I needed with a mother with Alzheimers. I am adding the daily suggestions first.
The first half of the book tells about the latest research that has been done on many of the well known "mind fixing" ingredients like ginkgo biloba, turmeric, resveratrol and others. The second half includes recipes that give us ideas on how to incorporate foods that have ingredients that help the brain.
I guess that time will tell if she is correct, but I am comforted by her suggestions and research.
December 29, 2017
Nothing new here, but its nicely presented and recipes look good.
June 9, 2025
As far as I know this book is out of date with the information on alcohol consumption. From what I've read in recent years, the data that showed that moderate alcohol consumption is healthier than no alcohol consumption was subject to healthy user bias. People who drink no alcohol are far more likely to have pre-existing health conditions and that's often why they aren't drinking. Their pre-existing health conditions render them more susceptible to cognitive decline, not the lack of alcohol. It has recently been found that no alcohol is likely the healthiest for long term cognition. No nutrition book is going to be perfect, though, as time goes on and more data accumulates
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/arti....
The book was overall heavy on the recipes, though I appreciated some, and scant on the information. I would have liked to delve deeper into specific foods and the research.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/arti....
The book was overall heavy on the recipes, though I appreciated some, and scant on the information. I would have liked to delve deeper into specific foods and the research.
December 30, 2017
This book is a very comprehensive look at cognitive decline and the latest research that shows things we can do to make our golden years as healthy as possible. The author explains the changes in peoples brains when they have dementia or Alzheimer's, and studies that have been done that provide answers as to what steps we can do with our diet to prevent or at least prolong our good years. Approximately half the book is filled with recipes, and there are easy to copy lists throughout with the best foods to eat.
While this is a good bit like some of the recommendations for healthy eating I have seen over the years, the author does recommend severely cutting fatty dairy products such as whole milk and cheese. I have seen many recent reports saying that it is better to have the full-fat versions; although, then again, this is the first book I have looked at for a diet for the mind.
It’s definitely worth looking at this one.
While this is a good bit like some of the recommendations for healthy eating I have seen over the years, the author does recommend severely cutting fatty dairy products such as whole milk and cheese. I have seen many recent reports saying that it is better to have the full-fat versions; although, then again, this is the first book I have looked at for a diet for the mind.
It’s definitely worth looking at this one.
July 17, 2019
This is probably the only cookbook I've ever read from cover to cover! The first half is all about the science behind the MIND Diet, and it is very accessible for the non-scientist. But beyond providing nutritional information for brain health, the author also goes into detail about how the brain ages (both with normal aging and dementia), and how to improve your brain health in many other ways: making exercise more effective, stress reduction, sleep, social engagement, changing your mindset. So much info in such a concise package!
Whether you have Alzheimer's in the family (as I do) or just want to live your best life as long as possible, this is a great reference. The author details how this diet also helps prevent heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. I haven't tried the recipes but most of them look easy enough, with fairly easy to find ingredients, and I plan on trying several of them soon.
Whether you have Alzheimer's in the family (as I do) or just want to live your best life as long as possible, this is a great reference. The author details how this diet also helps prevent heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. I haven't tried the recipes but most of them look easy enough, with fairly easy to find ingredients, and I plan on trying several of them soon.
September 16, 2025
This is probably my halfway point in finally reading all the cookbooks I added when I first got serious about food in 2015-2018. I wish I had read the foraging ones sooner.
Not a lot new here that you haven't heard before. Greens, in season vegetables, limited fat and meat, and non processed foods. In the broader picture, of course people who eat vegetables everyday have better health outcomes, that's something that's only done by the rich (I know some of the studies do try and control for things like), and it's still very individual focused. It's all on you to deal with stress and be happy!
Anyway best I can tell the info is good, and I think it just reinforces my thoughts that industrial diets are just too limited and monotonous and I need to add more variety and localize mine. It was nice to see sorghum called out as a whole grain since I use that to make limited amounts of flour now.
Not a lot new here that you haven't heard before. Greens, in season vegetables, limited fat and meat, and non processed foods. In the broader picture, of course people who eat vegetables everyday have better health outcomes, that's something that's only done by the rich (I know some of the studies do try and control for things like), and it's still very individual focused. It's all on you to deal with stress and be happy!
Anyway best I can tell the info is good, and I think it just reinforces my thoughts that industrial diets are just too limited and monotonous and I need to add more variety and localize mine. It was nice to see sorghum called out as a whole grain since I use that to make limited amounts of flour now.
October 5, 2021
Dr. Morris provides a clear, simple method for planning meals that not only nourish the brain, but help reduce risks of dementia and other diet-related diseases like heart disease. The diet is the culmination of 20 years of her research on food as it relates to dementia and Alzheimer’s, providing a clear and easy-to-read plan for anyone who wants to avoid the devastating effects of cognitive decline. The recipes sound delicious, and I personally plan to incorporate many of them into my meal planning for my family.
As a nutritionist, I read a lot of diet books, and most of them have the common thread of eating more vegetables and fruit and whole grains. This book also does that, but the simple way the plan is presented is refreshing, as it is easy to follow for even someone who is a novice in the kitchen.
As a nutritionist, I read a lot of diet books, and most of them have the common thread of eating more vegetables and fruit and whole grains. This book also does that, but the simple way the plan is presented is refreshing, as it is easy to follow for even someone who is a novice in the kitchen.
August 31, 2025
We all know the importance of a healthy diet and hope that we follow one, but this book is particularly helpful for those of us who are getting older and who may, in the process of ageing, have seen parents or older relatives changed and damaged by dementia, this book is instructive in ensuring that we can tailor our diet to preserve our mental capacity as much as possible.
The information is backed up with science and provides heaps of information about the foods to stock up on and the foods to approach less often and, at the back of the book, there is a wealth of recipes for inspiration.
A good read, easy to understand and practical suggestions as to how to effect a lifestyle change.
The information is backed up with science and provides heaps of information about the foods to stock up on and the foods to approach less often and, at the back of the book, there is a wealth of recipes for inspiration.
A good read, easy to understand and practical suggestions as to how to effect a lifestyle change.
February 3, 2018
I received this copy from a Goodreads Giveaway.
I thought the author did an excellent job organizing the book into sections: introduction of cognitive diseases, progressing into research, how diet affects cognition, and then onto living a healthy lifestyle with detailed recipes. Her integration of topics was smooth, detailed, and easy for common readers to understand (not filled with academia jargon as found in many research-focused books). Useful book and will definitely be trying out a lot of the recipes provided!
I thought the author did an excellent job organizing the book into sections: introduction of cognitive diseases, progressing into research, how diet affects cognition, and then onto living a healthy lifestyle with detailed recipes. Her integration of topics was smooth, detailed, and easy for common readers to understand (not filled with academia jargon as found in many research-focused books). Useful book and will definitely be trying out a lot of the recipes provided!
March 13, 2018
Received a free copy in a giveaway. I found it to be interesting, thorough and easy to understand. I especially appreciated that the author took other health conditions into consideration, pointing out when some foods that might help cognitive health aren't so good for people with diabetes, for example. I liked the comparison chapter for the MIND, Mediterranean and DASH diets, and although I haven't tried them yet, I appreciate that there are recipes and even photos of some of the dishes.
November 14, 2017
This is a truly outstanding book, well-balanced in guidance (not biased heavily toward one school of current diet/dementia thought versus another), and highly practical, abundant guidance in the first half of the book. The second half has excellent recipes that use the guidance in the book. An excellent read!
January 12, 2021
The MIND diet is an outgrowth of the Mediterranean Diet and DASH - a refining of those principles with particular focus on encouraging and maintaining brain health. Various studies are examined in order to recommend best food to eat throughout your life to stave off the ravages of dementia in old age. Highly readable.....makes good sense,
February 4, 2022
Dr. Martha Clara Morris simply outlines the findings of her extensive research on the MIND diet. I’m interested to learn more of her future research, and how it will impact clinical practice and medical nutrition therapy guidelines. Overall worth the read, however with the caution given the lack of cultural responsiveness of the MIND diet.
April 6, 2023
My doctor has been advising me for years to do something about my cholesterol. After talking to a longevity expert and reviewing actuarial data, I was convinced that my doctor was right, so I started following the MIND diet. This diet is easy, and this book explains the rationale behind it, as well as providing recipes and practical tips for implementing it.
August 15, 2024
I borrowed this book from my local library on the Hoopla app.
The first half of the book is the explanation of the studies done that show why these guidelines are useful for our health and the possibility that the cognitive decline may be forestalled. The recipes do not have the nutritional analysis that I prefer such as calories and sodium content.
The first half of the book is the explanation of the studies done that show why these guidelines are useful for our health and the possibility that the cognitive decline may be forestalled. The recipes do not have the nutritional analysis that I prefer such as calories and sodium content.
February 1, 2019
Good info - not a cookbook
Although this book has a lot of recipes, they are difficult to access, especially on an e-reader. They aren't individually listed in the table of contents, nor is there an index.
Although this book has a lot of recipes, they are difficult to access, especially on an e-reader. They aren't individually listed in the table of contents, nor is there an index.
October 22, 2021
Educational and hunger-inducing
Beyond learning a lot about how our food impacts our brains, this book also made me very hungry. I'm off to buy ingredients to make some Turkey Sliders or Pistachio Chicken Tenders or Brownie bites.... yum!
Beyond learning a lot about how our food impacts our brains, this book also made me very hungry. I'm off to buy ingredients to make some Turkey Sliders or Pistachio Chicken Tenders or Brownie bites.... yum!
November 26, 2021
Lots of good information in this book although repetitive if you have read other healthy eating books. The good news, healthily food for your body is also healthy for your mind. The other does highlight foods that are specifically good for your mind. Worth reading.
May 4, 2022
Удивительно, но если есть органическую и полезную еду без всяких добавок, то мозг будет счастлив. Книга с информацией, которую можно нагуглить и прочитать за несколько часов, а не дней. Самое полезное: рекомендует пить бокал красного вина ежедневно!
May 23, 2022
I wish she had delved a bit more into the science of the foods or proofs, but overall some really good information about our bodies and nutrition. I'm definitely going to start trying to incorporate her suggestions into my life.
September 12, 2022
Very interesting title that provides the science behind the suggested MIND diet and then providing ample suggestions for what you can eat. This includes recipes, some of which would need to be adapted for anyone (like me) who is gluten free.
November 17, 2022
..."Then the process of weight loss begins, due largely to the fact that fat weighs less than muscle..."
Strictly speaking, a pound of fat weighs the same as a pound of muscle. Other than this minor mistake, the book is alright.
Strictly speaking, a pound of fat weighs the same as a pound of muscle. Other than this minor mistake, the book is alright.
May 11, 2018
Very informative with good recipes
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews