Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common causes of dementia. It is the cause of 60 to 70% of dementia cases. This chronic neurodegenerative disease usually starts slowly and gets worse with time.
Initial symptoms can include memory loss & difficulties with thinking. As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing one’s self-care, and behavioral issues.
Did You Know, The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not known.
However, about 70% of the cases are related to genetics. Other risk factors include a history of head injuries, depression, or hypertension. If you are at a high risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s, making some key dietary choices can help a lot.
In fact, many foods can improve your cognitive health and reduce your risk of developing the disease.
Best Foods For Alzheimer’s Disease
#1 Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, which can protect the brain from free-radical damage. They also protect the body from harmful iron compounds that can cause degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. Also, the phytochemicals, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins in blueberries provide neuroprotective benefits.
#2 Kale and Other Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like kale help keep mental abilities sharp, prevent cognitive decline, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Kale is a rich dietary source of vitamin B12, which is important for cognitive health.
A 2013 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences demonstrated how B vitamin supplementation was able to slow down the shrinking of the brain region associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
#3 Cinnamon
A 2009 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease reports that cinnamon extract inhibits tau aggregation and filament formation, two hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Another study published in 2011 in PLOS ONE reports that orally administrated cinnamon extract reduces beta-amyloid oligomerization and corrects cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease in animal models. Further research on humans is still needed.
Drink a cup of cinnamon tea daily as well as sprinkle cinnamon powder on toast, cereal, oatmeal, baked goods, fruit salads, and smoothies.
#4 Salmon
Cold-water fish like salmon can help keep your brain young and vital as well as reduce the risk of age-related brain problems. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon play a major role in protecting against Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. In a 2007 study, University of California-Irvine researchers found that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, may help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s. It may slow the growth of two brain lesions that are hallmarks of this neurodegenerative disease.
#5 Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil contains a phenolic component called oleo can that helps boost the production of key proteins and enzymes that help break down amyloid plaques. This works as a potential neuroprotective mechanism against Alzheimer’s disease. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease showed that extra-virgin olive oil may improve learning and memory and potentially reverse damage in the brain. This study was done on mice.
You guys can also learn more about Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease from below mentioned links:
References:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-causes-alzheimers-disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24500933
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4105147/
Did you know, A good sleep is also a important factor to improve your brain health. So, that we also want to share some superfoods for better sleep at night. Read Here