By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Mediterranean diet is modeled after those who live on the Mediterranean who are known for living long, healthy lives.

The diet is one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish. It’s already known to protect against conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, obesity, even some forms of cancer.

Now, a new study from Columbia University finds people who follow the diet have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Data was collected, almost 2000 people were in the study, and those who followed the diet had a 68% reduction in developing Alzheimer’s.

Once again, let me stress it, the Mediterranean diet is one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and fish. Those types of foods are excellent to include in the diet, and to use again and again.