Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of dementia that most commonly happens in elderly people. Dementia is a kind of disorder in the brain that has serious effects in the person’s ability to perform his normal activities. Studies have suggested that food may have a positive contribution in reducing the risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have pointed out specific types of food that can help prevent this medical condition.
Nutrients Associated with Dementia Risk
In a 2010 study conducted by researchers regarding the Alzheimer disease/diet relationship, and several nutrients were mentioned that were associated with lowering the risk of developing dementia. These nutrients are fatty acids (saturated and monounsaturated, omega-3 and omega-6), vitamin E, folate and vitamin B12.
Folate and vitamin B12 are vitamins that are related to homocysteine. Homocysteine has been suggested to have a significant impact on AD by lowering levels of homocysteine in the body. Vitamin E is said to fight AD because of its antioxidant functions. Omega-3 fatty acids have been suggested to slow the development of lesions in the brain, which are trademarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
The Effect of Diet on Alzheimer’s Disease
In the study, it was observed that people who were used to having only small amounts of red meat, butter, organ meat and high-fat dairy products had a lower risk for developing the disease. Basically, people who were used to a low-fat diet had a lesser possibility of having Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers even pointed out that the particular foods contributing to the prevention of AD include nuts, poultry, fruits, salad dressings, fish, tomatoes and dark, leafy and green vegetables.
Common Foods that May Fight Alzheimer’s Disease
The following are common foods that are said to fight Alzheimer’s disease:
Eggs – Some of the nutrients found in egg include choline, vitamin B12, iron and protein.
Whole Grain Breads – Some of the nutrients found in these breads include lecithin, vitamin E and vitamin B complex
Soy Products – Soybeans and soy-based products contain nutrients like folic acid. Soy is known to be effective in breaking up amyloid protein, a kind of protein that develops into fibrous deposits in people with high potentials of developing AD.
Oranges, Pumpkins and Carrots – These foods contain a large amount of antioxidants (vitamins A, E and C).
Fish – Fish is known to contain Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
Blueberries – These berries are rich in the antioxidant vitamin C, aside from other nutrients present in this fruit.
This story is simply NOT true. The September issue of the journal Neurology, as well as the most recent posting on the Johns Hopkins website, both carry reports indicating that there is no reputable research demonstrating ANY linkage between eating any particular foods or nutritional supplements and reducing the risk of, or preventing, Alzheimer's Disease! Shame on you for printing this drivel!