Controlling Alzheimer's Disease with Diet

Making Lifestyle Changes Can Cut Your Risk of This Disease.

Oct 30, 2009 Michelle Barrett

The cause of Alzheimer's is largely unknown and this disease ravages millions of families every year. Some diet treatments have been found to help minimize its effect.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that affects millions of people every day. This disease causes memory loss, creates issues with behavior and thinking and eventually is fatal. Alzheimer's is usually associated with old age; however, up to 10% of cases have early onset in middle age. Alzheimer's currently accounts for 70% of documented dementia cases and although there are treatments for this condition; there is no cure.

The cause of Alzheimer's disease is largely unknown, although your risk factor can increase if you have a family member that suffers from this condition. Some other possible causes could be trauma, exposure to lead, viruses and even the smoking of cigarettes.

There are several early warning signs you can look for either a family members or yourself. It is important to recognize these symptoms because Alzheimer's is equally devastating for all the family members.These signs include: Inability to concentrate, difficulty retaining new information or learning a new skill, forgetfulness, unconcern with personal appearance or basic hygiene, insomnia and restlessness. As the disease progresses, the symptoms will start to worsen. Most people suffering from Alzheimer's will develop a severe deterioration of memory, ability to concentrate, coordination and the capability to communicate. People often suffer from depression, irritability, paranoia and outright hostility as the disease becomes worse.

Although the causes of Alzheimer's disease are unknown, several diet interventions are thought to cut the risk. Eating a diet high in fish, vitamin E, vitamin C and reducing the amount of unhealthy fat and cholesterol can be very beneficial and preventative. Vitamin E and C are antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals in the body. Free radicals have found to be a contributing factor to many diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's. Some beneficial food choices with these vitamins include spinach, wheat germ, whole grains, sunflower seeds, broccoli, pineapple, asparagus, peppers, strawberries, onions, lemons and cantaloupe.

High-fat diets can impair learning and memory capabilities. So eating a diet low in fat and high in essential fatty acids can be effective in preventing Alzheimer's disease. Try to avoid fried foods, too much meat, dairy and cooking oils with saturated fat. Increase your intake of delicious salmon, lake trout, albacore tuna and mackerel. These brain friendly foods may not be the cure for Alzheimer's, but they can initially cut your risk and perhaps manage your symptoms later on.

So be aware of the factors that can contribute to the development of this disease and eliminate the ones that are lifestyle related.

Sources:

Morris MC, Evans DA, Bienias JL et al. Dietary fats and the risk of incident Alzheimer disease. Arch Neurol 2003;60:194-200.

Ortega RM, Requejo AM, Andres P et al. Dietary intake and cognitive function in a group of elderly people. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;66:803-809.

"Dietary composition modulates brain mass and amyloid beta levels in a mouse model of aggressive Alzheimer's amyloid pathology."Steve Pedrini, Carlos Thomas, Hannah Brautigam, James Schmeidler, Lap Ho, Paul Fraser, David Westaway, Peter Hyslop, Ralph Martins, Joseph Buxbaum, Giulio Pasinetti, Dara Dickstein, Patrick Hof, Michelle Ehrlich and Sam Gandy.Molecular Neurodegeneration, 2009, 4:40 (21 October 2009).

The copyright of the article Controlling Alzheimer's Disease with Diet in General Medicine is owned by Michelle Barrett. Permission to republish Controlling Alzheimer's Disease with Diet in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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