Researchers in Greece tested the effects of the Mediterranean diet alone versus the Mediterranean diet plus either extra virgin olive oil, or a special ‘early harvest’ EVOO high in phenolic acids (the bioactive compounds in olive oil) in adults with mild cognitive impairment

Results: After one year, versus the Mediterranean diet alone, both groups on the diet PLUS olive oil had significant improvement in mental function

This study builds on earlier research which found that in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease, EVOO helps preserve mental function and protects against Alzheimer’s