We hear so much from the media about what we should or should not eat. But what information can we rely on to be accurate? Can the food we eat really reduce our risk of developing dementia? If a person has dementia, can their diet or use of supplements influence how they experience dementia or its progression? The brain requires a regular supply of nutrients in our diet to function and remain healthy. There is growing recognition that what we eat affects the way our brains work and our mental health, as well as our physical health. Traditionally research undertaken to investigate the connection between diet, cognitive function and risk of dementia has primarily focused on the impact of individual nutrients on brain health. Those nutrients commonly researched include: vitamins B6, B12, C, E and folic acid, as well as omega 3 essential fatty acids. The outcome of such research has been inconclusive and thus guidelines to advise on specific nutrient intakes have not been developed. We know that certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity can increase our risk of dementia.
NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure that it is accurate, authoritative, and up to date. Scientists are looking at many possible ways to do this, including drugs, lifestyle changes and combinations of these interventions. We know that malnutrition affects physical and mental wellbeing: our brains need nutrients to work and remain healthy. Dr Brown said that as dementia is set to be the 21st Century’s biggest killer, with no way yet to cure the condition, “prevention is key”. Alzheimer’s and Dementia. An in-depth introduction. MIND diet slows cognitive decline with aging. Sylvia’s diet was also rich in leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale. Alzheimer’s elder care Fish oil and depression Folic acid supplements: Can they slow cognitive decline?
Want to preserve your brain health for the long run? Here are the 10 best foods to eat plus five to avoid. When it comes to protecting your brain health, a hybrid of the two eating styles may be best. And observational studies suggest the diet can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 53 percent as well as slow cognitive decline and improve verbal memory. Researchers developed the diet by looking at the Mediterranean and DASH diets, then focusing on the foods with the most compelling findings in dementia prevention. Vegetables, especially leafy greens, rose to the top. In general, fruit didn’t, though berries made the list. Then researchers tracked detailed eating logs in an older adult population for an average of 4. Their discovery: Older adults whose diets most closely resembled the pattern laid out in the MIND diet had brains as sharp as people 7.