The risk of dementia is determined by genetics and environmental factors. While diet may affect development of dementia, you should not attempt to treat dementia without the supervision of a doctor. See a health care professional if you or a loved one experience symptoms of dementia.
Features
Dementia is a loss of brain function due to certain diseases. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type. Symptoms may include memory loss, difficulty communicating, trouble learning or remembering new information, difficulty with motor functions, personality changes and agitation. Certain medications can slow the development of dementia symptoms.
Homocysteine
Low folic acid is associated with increased homocysteine, an amino acid implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to a 2004 review published by Lawrence J. Whalley and colleagues in the "Journal of the British Menopause Society." Low vitamin B12 levels are also found in older people with cognitive decline and people with dementia. Insufficent vitamin B12 can also lead to elevated homocysteine levels. Folate is found in leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans and peas. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products.
Antioxidants
Intake of dietary antioxidants may decrease risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to the 2004 Whalley review. Vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and beta-carotene are linked with cognitive decline. Vitamin C is found in all fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, green peppers, strawberries, tomatoes and broccoli.
Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. Vitamin A comes from animal sources. Beta-carotene can turn into vitamin A and is present in intensely colored fruits and vegetables, including carrots, pumpkin, winter squash, sweet potatoes and cantaloupe.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Low intake of omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with dementia risk, according to the 2004 Whalley review. However, the association cannot be proven as causal because people who are less likely to develop dementia may be more likely to take omega-3 fatty acids supplements or eat fish because of other factors, like level of education or degree of intelligence. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish, other seafood, green leafy vegetables, nut oils and seeds.
Recommendations
Evidence does not yet fully support the claim that diet should be implicated in the development of dementia, but it does suggest that there is an association. You should consume fruits and vegetables often, eat oily fish at least twice per week and drink alcohol moderately for a number of health reasons including possible decreased risk of dementia.
