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Alzheimer's & Nutrition

Alzheimer's is a degenerative brain disease that affects cognition, memory and social abilities. The disease is not a normal part of growing old; it is a disorder that gets worse with age, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Currently, there is no known cure. Available treatments focus on reducing the rate of cognitive decline and on improving the quality of life for those suffering from the disease. Scientists are also investigating ways to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's. Much of this research suggests that proper nutrition can play a role in reducing the prevalence of the disease.

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for normal brain functioning and development. Research shows a 10 percent reduction in cognitive decline in older adults who eat fish at least once a week, according to the Australian Nursing Journal. This finding supports earlier research indicating a correlation between fish consumption and reduced risk of dementia and stroke. Choose cold water fatty fish such as salmon, sardines or halibut, which are rich in the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Walnuts, flaxmeal and tofu are rich in another omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3 supplements are also widely available.

    Antioxidants

    • Antioxidants may help reduce age-related memory loss by protecting the brain from damaging free-radical activity. Antioxidants also improve general health by promoting good blood flow, which is also essential to optimal brain function. Antioxidants include Vitamins C, E and beta carotene. To increase your intake of these nutrients, you may take supplements or try adding deeply colored fruits and vegetables---such as berries, beets and spinach----to your daily diet.

    Folate

    • Consuming folate may help protect you against Alzheimer's disease, according to Health News. Columbia University researchers suggest combining folate supplements with folate-rich foods because elderly people who did so fared better on cognition tasks than those who obtained folate primarily from either pills or foods. Researchers were reserved in their endorsement of folate, however, suggesting the need for further studies on the effect of this nutrient on Alzheimer's disease. Good sources of folate include leafy greens, orange juice, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, beets and beans.

    Pomegranate Juice

    • Drinking pomegranate juice may slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at Loma Linda University studied mice with a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's, including deposits of beta-amyloid in the brain, a protein believed to be associated with the development of Alzeimer's. They divided these mice into two groups. One group received pomegranate-juice concentrate in its water; the other group drank water with a comparable amount of sugar added. The mice in the first group not only performed better on tests and mazes, but they also had half as many beta-amyloid deposits in their brains as the other group had. Further studies will determine if pomegranate juice has similar effects on human mental function.

    Digestive Enzymes

    • Digestive enzymes transform the food you eat into nutrients your body can use. As we age, our bodies produce fewer of these digestive enzymes. As a result, you may notice increased digestive problems as you get older, especially if your diet consists primarily of cooked and processed foods. Poor digestion means poor absorption of nutrients, which the body and the brain need in order to maintain optimal functioning. For general digestive benefits, nutrition experts typically recommend a broad-range supplement with protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase, xylanase and alpha-galactosidase. You may also want a supplement with beta-glucanase, which digests grains. Take supplements with meals, never on an empty stomach.

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