Little in life is as scary as the idea of forgetting our loved
ones, our histories, and ourselves. Yet that is exactly what is happening to
the more than 5 million people in North America suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Mild forgetfulness in
the early years of the disease slowly expands to include serious problems with
memory, language, and abstract reasoning until eventually this brain disorder
robs its victims of the ability to function.
Despite extensive
research, both cause and cure for Alzheimer’s disease remain elusive. Experts
theorize that a complicated combination of genetic, environmental, and
lifestyle factors result in cognitive decline, though they are still working on
exactly how it happens and what can be done to prevent it.
One logical area of
exploration is diet. While there have been no definitive breakthroughs yet,
there are certain foods that are being carefully studied for their specific
relationship to Alzheimer's.
Diet and Alzheimer’s Disease: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and B Vitamins
“A few studies found a
correlation between high dietary fish with omega-3 fatty acid intake and a
decrease in developing Alzheimer’s,” says Tara Harwood, registered dietitian at
the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “However, more studies must be conducted before
any conclusions can be drawn.”
High levels of
homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood, have been associated with the risk of
dementia. One avenue being examined is whether increasing intake of folate and
vitamins B6 and B12, which break down homocysteine, can help prevent
Alzheimer’s disease. “Neither vitamin B6 or B12 supplementation has been proven
effective,” says Harwood, “but data from one study found a lower incidence of
Alzheimer’s for individuals with the highest folate intake.”
Diet and Alzheimer’s Disease: Antioxidants
Another possible theory
in the development of Alzheimer’s disease involves free radicals destroying the
integrity of the body’s cells. These unstable molecules have the potential to
cause cell aging and damage, which could be one piece of the Alzheimer’s
puzzle.
“You can reduce your
exposure to free radicals by limiting contact with the sun, environmental
pollutants, and cigarette smoke,” says Harwood. “However, free radicals are a
byproduct of metabolism, which occurs every minute of the day. Because it’s
impossible to completely eliminate free radicals, [eating foods with]
antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids, can
help.”
Foods high in
antioxidants include berries, dark green and orange vegetables, nuts, and
beans. Specifically, studies have shown rats and mice bred to develop
Alzheimer’s disease had improved mental function after being fed blueberries,
strawberries, and cranberries. Green tea is also high in antioxidants, and
although it hasn’t been proven specifically to prevent Alzheimer’s, it has been
shown that drinking five cups a day can reduce one’s risk of heart disease.
Diet and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Mediterranean Diet
A few recent studies
conducted by researchers from the neurology department at Columbia University
Medical Center in New York have looked at the possible preventive effects of
the typical diet eaten by people in countries around the Mediterranean sea,
such as Greece. The “Mediterranean diet” is primarily made up of fruits, vegetables, and
beans, fish, olive oil, a moderate
amount of wine, some dairy foods, and small amounts of meat and chicken. Though
more study is needed, results point to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s
and lower mortality rate among those who contracted the disease.
Diet and Alzheimer’s Disease: Next Steps
While there is no
definitive answer to the Alzheimer’s mystery, there are certainly clues to
follow. “No changes in diet, dietary supplements, food additives, vitamins, nor
alternative herbal medicines have ever been demonstrated to affect the risk for
Alzheimer’s disease or the course of the disease in a well-designed clinical
trial experiment,” says Randolph Schiffer, MD, director of the Cleveland Clinic
Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Cleveland. “With that said, most of us in
the Alzheimer’s research field believe that people should adopt and continue
healthy lifestyles, including diets low in saturated fats and high in antioxidants and B
vitamins.”
Until more research is
available, it makes sense to combine a good diet with physical and mental
activity and social interaction. This approach just might help keep Alzheimer’s
disease, as well as other illnesses, at bay