Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease that causes gradual loss of memory and judgment, difficulty concentrating and personality changes. Alzheimer's disease affects roughly 5 million Americans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, making it the most common form of dementia. Though no cure is known for Alzheimer's, certain medications and lifestyle changes, including eating certain foods, can help reduce the disease's progression and improve your quality of life.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats linked with improved heart health and brain function -- are prominent in Mediterranean diets. A study published in the "Annals of Neurology" in June, 2006 showed a positive correlation between a Mediterranean dietary lifestyle and reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease. In the study, the diets and health of 2,258 New York residents, without dementia symptoms, were evaluated every 18 months for up to 13.9 years. Participants who consumed a Mediterranean-style diet demonstrated significantly lower risk for Alzheimer's disease than participants who did not. To reap benefits of omega-3 fats, incorporate valuable sources, such as fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, halibut, herring, mackerel, lake trout and flounder, flaxseed, walnuts, walnut oil, canola oil and soybean oil into your diet regularly.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help protect your body from infections and disease. Antioxidants may also help protect your body from dementia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fruits and vegetables are also emphasized by Mediterranean diets. Foods particularly rich in antioxidants include berries, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, mangoes, papaya, guava, apples, red grapes, plums, tomatoes, leafy greens, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, artichokes, asparagus, baked potatoes -- with skin, sweet potatoes, carrots and winter squash. Consume a variety of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables regularly for maximum benefits.
Zinc-Rich Foods
Zinc is a mineral your body requires in trace amounts for healthy cell metabolism, immune system function, wound healing and senses of taste and smell. Elderly people are at risk for zinc deficiencies, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and increasing your zinc intake may improve your memory. Since your body cannot store zinc, you must consume zinc daily. Foods rich in zinc include include oysters, beef, pork, chicken, lobster and fortified breakfast cereals. Foods that contain moderate amounts of zinc include yogurt, milk, cheese, beans, almonds and oatmeal.
