Alzheimer's is a disease that causes dementia. As you age, your risk of getting Alzheimer's increases. Approximately half of Americans age 85 or older have this condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is no cure for this condition, but diet may affect your risk for developing Alzheimer's.
Foods to Consume
Foods containing unsaturated fats, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, folate and vitamin B12 may be protective against Alzheimer's disease. Consuming curcurmin, found in the spice turmeric, may offer some protection, as can consuming green tea, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries and olive oil. However, overall dietary patterns -- such as the Mediterranean diet or a diet high in cruciferous vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, tomatoes, poultry and salad dressings -- may make the most difference, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation.
Foods to Limit
What you don't eat may be just as important as what you eat when it comes to preventing Alzheimer's disease. Limit saturated fats and trans fats. These can cause free radicals that can damage your cells, including your brain cells. This means limiting consumption of high-fat meat and dairy products.
Considerations
Research into diet and the prevention is still in the preliminary stages, with most studies still using animals rather than people. No particular food or eating plan has been shown to consistently prevent Alzheimer's. However, many of the recommendations above are beneficial to overall health and may help prevent other health conditions linked to Alzheimer's, such as heart disease.
Other Prevention Strategies
Exercising, reducing stress and building brain reserves through trying new activities and doing puzzles may help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Reducing your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease may also reduce your risk for Alzheimer's, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Expert Insight
Eating a diet consisting of 20 percent unsaturated fats, 40 percent complex carbohydrates and 40 percent lean protein -- along with as much as you want of foods that are high in antioxidants, including spinach and blueberries, is recommended by the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation. It especially recommends fish and vegetarian protein sources, because they don't add to your consumption of saturated fats.
