GETTY A 'western' diet could put you more at risk of developing Alzheimer's

The stark warning comes from scientists who have also discovered that a more “Mediterranean” diet – of fruit, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products, legumes and fish – is associated with a significantly reduced risk. They also found that diets with even lower meat content – like those found in India, Japan, and Nigeria – reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s even further. Dr William Grant said: “Reducing meat consumption could significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease as well as several cancers, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and chronic kidney disease.”

Speaking from the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Centre in San Francisco, he added: “Mounting evidence from ecological and observational studies, indicates that the Western dietary pattern – especially the large amount of meat – is strongly associated with risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic diseases. “While the traditional Mediterranean diet is associated with about half the risk for Alzheimer’s disease of the Western diet, the traditional diets of countries such as India, Japan, and Nigeria, with very low meat consumption, are associated with an additional 50 per cent reduction in risk of Alzheimer’s.” In the UK, one person is diagnosed with dementia – caused by such diseases as Alzheimer’s – every three minutes, with the condition costing the economy £23billion every year.

GETTY New research reveals however a 'Mediterranean diet' can reduce the risk

GETTY Reducing red meat and dairy consumption can lower chance of you being diagnosed with the condition

It is the only cause of death still on the rise with 850,000 Britons now suffering from dementia. That figure is estimated to reach one million by 2025.

The Western dietary pattern is strongly associated with risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease Dr William Grant

There are also currently 40,000 people with early onset dementia under the age of 65. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show the condition is now the leading cause of death for women in England and Wales. Last night research bodies involved with tackling the disease in the UK welcomed the new study, but said much more research was still needed into why certain foods seemed to lead to cognitive decline. Dr Simon Ridley, director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “While studies of national diets and rates of Alzheimer’s can help to identify trends at a population level, more controlled studies are needed to provide definitive evidence of a link between particular foods and risk of the disease. “Previous research has linked diets rich in fruit and vegetables, nuts, and fish to better cognitive health, but research is showing that other lifestyle factors such as physical activity, smoking and alcohol intake can also influence a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s.

Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's Tue, August 23, 2016 There are more than 520,000 people in the UK with Alzheimer's disease. Here are 10 early signs and symptoms including memory loss and problem-solving to look out for. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 10 Changes in mood and personality - If you notice a loved one become easily upset, confused, depressed or anxious they could be suffering from Alzheimer's so talk to them and book an appointment with the doctor