Over 24 million people worldwide have dementia, according to a 2005 study in the "Lancet." Dementia is a condition of impaired mental function. It can affect thinking, memory, behavior, emotions or language, and it significantly impacts individuals and families. Dementia has a multitude of causes, and diet can play a contributing role. Avoiding certain foods may be helpful in diminishing or preventing dementia. Everyone has distinct dietary needs, so for personalized advice, consult a nutritionally trained health-care professional.
Unhealthy Fats
Food choices consistent with the standard American diet -- a diet high in processed foods, hydrogenated oils and trans fatty acids and low in antioxidants -- are a risk factor for developing dementia, according to Drs. Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray, naturopathic physicians and authors of the "Textbook of Natural Medicine." Unhealthy fats, like trans fats, contribute to oxidative stress in the body, which can damage nerve cells and promote the the development of dementia. A primary source of trans fats is processed food products, like fast food, fried food, packaged snacks and baked goods. Diminishing intake of these foods may lend protection against cognitive decline.
Aluminum
Pizzorno and Murray say that in Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, aluminum concentrates in the brain's nerve cells. Increased levels of aluminum in the brain are associated with poorer mental function. It's unclear whether aluminum causes Alzheimer's or if it accumulates in response to the disease, but either way, avoiding aluminum exposure may help in diminishing or preventing dementia. Aluminum is in food and some water supplies, as well as antacids and deodorants. Drinking filtered water and avoiding foods prepared in aluminum cookware can help reduce dietary aluminum exposure.
Inflammatory Foods
A poor-quality diet can promote inflammation in the body, which can cause damage to the brain's cells, nerves and blood vessels. Inflammation is an immune system reaction to infection or injury that causes pain and swelling. Short-term, inflammation is a normal and healthy process. However, as Dr. Jessica Black, a naturopathic physician and author of "The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book," says, when inflammation continues at a low level for an extended period of time, it causes damage to the body's cells and contributes to numerous degenerative diseases, including dementia. Inflammation-promoting foods are different for everyone, but some common examples include wheat, low-quality dairy products, pork, processed foods and sugar. Avoiding these foods may diminish inflammation in the body and therefore be a helpful adjunct to a well-rounded treatment plan to prevent dementia.
References
- Lancet: Global Prevalence of Dementia: A Delphi Consensus Study
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: NINDS Dementia Information Page
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D., and Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
- "The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book"; Jessica K. Black, N.D.; 2006
