Think Thursday: MODERN Diet vs MIND Diet

This week on Think Thursday, we’re diving into the latest research around brain-healthy eating—and how artificial intelligence is changing the nutrition game. In July 2025, a major new study introduced the MODERN diet—a machine-learning-optimized eating pattern that may reduce your risk of dementia by more than 50%.

In this episode, I compare the MODERN diet with the more established MIND diet (a blend of the Mediterranean and DASH diets), break down how both support cognitive function, and explain why the science behind these claims is powerful but not perfect.

I also circle back to my October 2024 Think Thursday episode, where we explored how a Mediterranean-style diet—rich in omega-3s, B vitamins, and antioxidants—can support memory, mood, and long-term brain health. If that episode got you thinking about your plate, today’s episode will give you even more clarity on how and why what you eat matters.

Whether you’re navigating midlife, aging intentionally, or just looking for simple, science-backed steps to boost your brainpower, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn

• What the MODERN diet is—and how it was created with AI
• How it compares to the MIND diet (and the Mediterranean diet we covered last October)
• Why leafy greens, berries, citrus, and olive oil remain nutritional powerhouses
• The truth about observational research vs. randomized trials
• How to use this information to take one simple action this week

Referenced Resources

• How Diet Impacts Brain Health
• 📄 Download the MODERN vs. MIND Comparison One-Pager

Your Next Small Step

Try adding one MODERN-approved food to your meals this week—like citrus, leafy greens, or berries. And if you’re up for it, take one small step to reduce your intake of sweetened beverages or highly processed foods.

Connect with Me

If this episode sparked questions or ideas, I’d love to hear from you! Email me at molly@mollywatts.com and tell me what small shift you're making to support your brain health.

★ Support this podcast ★