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Diet & Dementia

Research has shown a clear link between diet and dementia. Unhealthy dietary habits practiced throughout adulthood can contribute to the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. A healthful diet might not only reduce your risk for developing dementia, it can also help to protect the brain from damage as you age.

  1. Effects of a Healthy Diet

    • Eating healthful foods might help reduce the chance of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Omega-3 fats that are found in fish, vegetable oils and nuts are believed to have a healthy effect on the brain. Other foods recommended for brain health include those rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants such as berries and dark green leafy vegetables. A daily multivitamin with recommended amounts of folic acid and vitamins E, C, B6 and B12 also might be beneficial.

    Effects of a Poor Diet

    • A poor diet can lead to malnutrition and imbalances in the body that are damaging to the brain. Vitamin deficiencies such as thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 can contribute to dementia. Foods with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (also known as "bad" cholesterol) appear to greatly raise the risk of developing vascular dementia. Junk food containing "hydrogenated" fats and burnt fats should be avoided because they damage the vascular system. Vascular dementia is caused when the vascular system in the brain is damaged and blood flow is restricted, resulting in brain impairment.

    Other Diet-Related Conditions of Concern

    • Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, can cause dementia-like symptoms such as confusion and personality changes. Those who suffer from diabetes might experience a temporary decline in memory abilities after a meal that can mimic dementia. Conditions such as high blood pressure and obesity also have an effect on blood flow to the brain, which can lead to vascular dementia.

    Considerations

    • Maintaining healthful diet practices as you age has many benefits. Healthful, nutrient-rich foods directly benefit the brain. A healthy lifestyle also reduces your risk of developing conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease that has an effect on blood flow to the brain. Unhealthy habits should be addressed as soon as possible to improve your chance of avoiding dementia.

    Warning

    • No one should attempt to self-diagnose a possible problem with vitamin deficiencies or other health conditions. Medical tests administered by a doctor can determine if these issues are present. You should also be cautious about advertised miracle foods and substances that have claims of dramatically improving memory or preventing dementia. Many of these claims are unsubstantiated and are not approved by the FDA.

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