Alzheimer's disease is the progressive loss of brain function, affecting intellectual and social skills. In patients with Alzheimer's disease, brain cells degenerate and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function. In late stages, Alzheimer's can affect activities of daily living, judgment, decision making, personality, language and behavior. No special diet is recommended, but evidence shows that combining certain foods and consuming a healthy diet may prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Vegetables
Vegetables are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and phytochemicals. They are considered protective foods that reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and protect brain cells. Antioxidants in vegetables fight oxidative damage in the body. Dark leafy greens and dark-skinned vegetables have the highest amount of antioxidants. These vegetables include spinach, Brussels sprouts, tomato, kale, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, bell pepper, eggplant, corn, onion and carrots. Vegetables are low in calories and fat.
Fruit
Fruits are another rich source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Choose blueberries, raisins, blackberries, melon, raspberries, oranges, plums, strawberries, grapes and cherries. The darker the fruit, the more antioxidant capacity it has. Eat a rainbow of fruit each day to ensure that you receive adequate vitamins and minerals. Vitamins such as C, E, B-12 and folate are thought to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Increasing your intake of these vitamins, as well as the trace minerals necessary for your body to use them effectively, will help prevent dementia.
Fish
Fish, especially cold-water fish such as halibut, tuna, salmon, mackerel, trout and herring, contain omega-3 essential fatty acids. These compounds help protect your heart but may also protect against loss of brain function and memory associated with Alzheimer's disease. You should consume fish at least twice per week to obtain your recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Eat fish broiled, lightly sautéed, grilled or poached for best results. By eating more fish, you can reduce your consumption of red meat and other foods high in saturated fats.
Legumes
Lentils, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, garbanzo beans, split peas, kidney beans, navy beans and other legumes add protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals to your diet. Low in fat and calories, legumes are a healthy additions to a diet for Alzheimer's prevention. Add them to soup, toss them into a salad or eat them as a side dish.
Nuts
Nuts and seeds can be part of a healthy diet as well. Almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pine nuts, pistachios and soy nuts are good sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant, and omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts are high in healthy fats and calories, so it is important to eat the recommended serving size.
