Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, degenerative condition that may be prevented with diet. It is the most common cause of dementia, the loss of cognitive functioning. It is marked by difficulty thinking, remembering and reasoning. The National Institute of Aging estimates that 5.1 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease, most who experience symptoms after 60 years of age.
Dietary Causes
Evidence suggests Alzheimer's disease is caused by several dietary factors. Research by Franco Berrino, MD, published in "Epidemiology and Prevention" in 2002 summarizes evidence that suggests Alzheimer's disease is associated with an excessive dietary intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates that rapidly increase blood sugar, animal products and saturated fat and an insufficient intake of whole, unrefined or unprocessed foods, such as seeds, cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables and other foods with a high content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, phytoestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids. The research indicates Alzheimer's disease may be associated with adverse biological processes that include insulin resistance of cells, excess age-promoting molecules called free radicals and decreased production of nitric oxide by endothelial cells that line the interior of your blood vessels. The research also suggests that you can prevent these adverse developments by making relatively simple changes to your diet that include reducing intake of refined sugars and saturated fat and increasing your consumption of foods that have a high content of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Research by Jia-Min Zhuo, PhD, published in "Experimental Gerontology" in 2010, demonstrates that dietary deficiencies of folate and vitamins B6 and B12 cause a condition called homocysteinemia that in turn causes a cascade of chemical reactions that contribute to developing Alzheimer's disease.
Mediterranean Diet
Prospective epidemiological research demonstrates that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to research by Dr. Francesco Sofi, published in the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease" in 2010. Research by Yian Gu, PhD, published in the "Journal of Alzheimers Disease" in 2010 found that compared to subjects in the lowest tertile of adherence, subjects in the highest tertile have a 34 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The Mediterranean diet includes whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, grains, olive oil, fish and low-fat dairy, and avoids processed foods, meat and saturated fat.
Dietary Supplements
Taking dietary supplements may help you to boost intake of vital nutrients--such as B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids--that when deficient in the diet are associated with Alzheimer's disease. However, research has not yet confirmed the effects of specific foods or supplements containing folate and vitamins B6 and B12 have on the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, according to research by Dr. Jose Luchsinger, published in "Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports" in 2007. Consult your doctor about your diet and taking supplements.
Warning
Waiting until you experience symptoms to change your diet may be too late. The damage to your brain may begin 10 to 20 years before symptoms become evident. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention recommends you eat fruits and vegetables to reduce your risk of chronic disease.
References
- National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
- PubMed.gov: Western Diet and Alzheimer's Disease
- Pubmed.gov: Acceleration of Brain Amyloidosis in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model by a Folate, Vitamin B6 and B12-Deficient Diet
- PubMed.gov: Effectiveness of the Mediterranean Diet: Can It Help Delay or Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?
- PubMed.gov: Mediterranean Diet, Inflammatory and Metabolic Biomarkers, and Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
