Dementia involves memory impairment and other deficiencies in cognitive functioning. Difficulties with language, senses and motor function are common. The onset of dementia is typically late in life. The highest rates of dementia are among people over the age of 85 according to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision." Although there is no cure, certain antioxidants may help to prevent this disorder or slow its progression.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your cell membranes, muscles and nerves by neutralizing free radicals. Vitamin E may also enhance your immune system and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia. In the July 2010 issue of "Archives of Neurology," researchers found that the risk of developing long-term dementia was lower in participants with higher levels of vitamin E. Eating foods rich in vitamin E may have a modest impact on your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease later in life. Foods rich in vitamin E include oils such as wheat germ, corn and soybean, as well as nuts, such as almonds and peanuts.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that may play a role in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. The cognitive impairments from Alzheimer's occur gradually over a period of time. These impairments become progressively worse over time and are irreversible. However, antioxidants from green tea may have some impact on the rate of progression of this disease. According to a study in the July 2010 issue of "International Journal of Molecular Medicine," green tea may alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and help slow down its progression.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to enhance memory. One of its main components is flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants that protect your nerve cells. Ginkgo biloba is used as a treatment for dementia in Europe but clinical studies in America have not completely supported its effectiveness. For example, in 2008, "The Journal of the American Medical Association," (JAMA) stated that researchers who studied the use of ginkgo biloba for the prevention of dementia found it to be ineffective for elderly people with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment.
Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant that protects your brain cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress damages brain tissue and is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. According to Dr. C.Y. Lee, chairman of the Department of Food Science and Technology at Cornell University, eating foods rich in quercetin might reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's. Since apples have a high amount of quercetin, the age-old "an apple a day" adage may be applicable to the prevention of Alzheimer's. Dr. Lee states that a fresh apple a day may have some preventive benefit. Other sources of quercetin include onions, blueberries and cranberries.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- The Vitamins and Nutrition Center: Vitamin E Information
- PubMed.gov: Dietary antioxidants and long-term risk of dementia.
- PubMed.gov: Theaflavin digallate inactivates plasminogen activator inhibitor: could tea help in Alzheimer's disease and obesity?
- JAMA: Ginkgo biloba for Prevention of Dementia
- Alzheimer's Weekly: Apple Antioxidants in Fighting Alzheimer's
