Alzheimer's Disease is a brain disorder that affects memory and brain function. It affects 5.3 million people and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Researchers continue to look for medications and treatments for Alzheimer's Disease. Research is also reaching out to consider that foods may be able to prevent it or treat its symptoms.
DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is an omega-3 fatty acid important for the maintenance of the brain. Research is ongoing in pursuit of showing that DHA has the ability to slow or prevent progression of Alzheimer's Disease, according to RD411.com. Sources of DHA include fatty cold water fish like salmon, tuna, herring and mackerel. DHA can also be obtained in a supplement form.
Vitamins C and E
Vitamins C and E are antioxidant vitamins that have shown some ability to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's Disease. A study in a 1998 journal "Alzheimer's Disease and Associated Disorders" observed the diets of 633 participants over a period of four years. After the four years, 91 participants -- all of whom were in the control group that did not use vitamins C or E -- had developed symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. None of the participants who took vitamin C or E developed symptoms. Sources of vitamin C include oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, strawberries, lemon, mangoes and papaya. Vitamin E sources include nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.
Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is found in the energy-producing area of every cell of the body. CoQ10 is responsible for producing energy and protects healthy cells from damage. Researchers think CoQ10 may slow the progression of Alzheimer's, since it protects brain cells. A study in the January 2007 "CNS Spectrums" journal explains CoQ10 has shown benefit in studies of people with Parkinson's Disease, another brain disorder. Participants in the study took 1,200 mg of CoQ10 daily and saw a reduction in brain decline. CoQ10 can be obtained in the diet from fish, meat, broccoli, spinach, peanuts and in supplement form.
Walnuts
Walnuts contain antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to improving brain function. Walnuts have proven effective in reversing brain aging and motor and cognitive deficits. Researchers at the Society for Neuroscience explain in a news release that walnuts are good at preventing build-up of the protein that contributes to brain decline. The amount to show benefit has been around an ounce of walnuts daily.
References
- Alzheimer's Association: Alzheimer's Facts and Figure
- RD411.com: Neuro Brain Health
- "Alzheimer's Disease and Associated Disorders"; Vitamin E and Vitamin C Supplement Use and Risk of Incident Alzheimer Disease; no author listed, 1998
- "CNS Spectrums" Coenzyme Q10: A Review of its Promise as a Neuroprotectant"; AJ Young, et al; 2007
- Society for Neuroscience: News Release: Diet of Walnuts, Blueberries Found to Improve Cognition; May Maintain Brain Function and Treat Brain Disorders; 2007
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