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
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.
What is Alcohol Minimalist: Mindful Drinking & Behavior Change?
Join coach Molly Watts on the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast to explore mindful drinking, behavior change, and mental wellness. This show offers science-based strategies to help you break drinking habits and overcome anxiety linked to alcohol use. Whether you're an adult child of alcoholics or seeking peace with your drinking, discover tools for lasting change without shame or guilt. New episodes every Monday and Thursday.
Becoming an alcohol minimalist means:
Choosing how to include alcohol in our lives following low-risk guidelines.
Freedom from anxiety around alcohol use.
Less alcohol without feeling deprived.
Using the power of our own brains to overcome our past patterns and choose peace.
The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast explores the science behind alcohol and analyzes physical and mental wellness to empower choice. You have the power to change your relationship with alcohol, you are not sick, broken and it's not your genes!
This show is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. If you are physically dependent on alcohol, please seek medical help to reduce your drinking.