Eating Your Way to a Healthier Brain
Dear Caregivers,
When I wrote recently about a new study suggesting that levels of lithium in the brain may be a factor in Alzheimer's, I was careful to emphasize that real-world application of the research may be far away into the future.
But in fact, there are lifestyle changes you can make, right now, that numerous studies have shown helps manage the disease and even prevent it — and a new study, out this month, even more strongly reinforces those findings. As exciting as this ability to slow or prevent Alzheimer's disease is, I understand it may be bittersweet news as you think of your loved one. So far, none of these strategies has been found to reverse the damage of Alzheimer's disease or significantly slow the disease.
In a study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found that people who consumed a diet that contained high levels of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains, while having low levels of red meat and processed meats — the so-called “Mediterranean Diet” — demonstrated a reduced cognitive decline and lower incidence of dementia. The effect was present to some extent in the thousands of people the researchers studied over several decades, but it was most pronounced in those individuals who carried two copies of a particular gene, known as APOE4, which previous studies have shown to produce a high risk for getting the disease.
Other studies have shown that the “Mind Diet” — a modified version of the Mediterranean Diet emphasizes certain fruits and fish consumption — can also produce similar benefits in terms of managing and even preventing Alzheimer’s.
So, one bit of good news is that science continues to march forward in its quest to tackle this horrific disease, with new findings that potentially point to its causes and treatment. But the better news is that you don’t have to wait: The science is already in, and there are lifestyle changes you can make, right now, that can make a real difference in the brain health of you and your loved one.
Here is some more information on the benefits of the MIND diet and the significance of a family history of dementia:
The Mind Diet: Meal Planning to Fuel the Brain
The MIND diet is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Here's a guide.
How to Combine the MIND Diet and the Diabetic Diet:
Even if you have diabetes, there are ways to work the MIND diet, which is has been shown to lower the risk of mental decline, into your meal plan. Here's how to do it.
Is Alzheimer’s Hereditary?
A so-called “family history” is not always associated with developing the disease — it is likely a combination of genetic, other medical, and lifestyle risk factors. Here's a guide.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
— Hippocrates
