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Alzheimer's
- Mind
Your Mind
 Diet
is one factor researchers are investigating for its role in
preventing or reducing the risk of Alzheimer's Disease and other
dementias and Alzheimer's Disease and for the assistance it provides to people
who have Alzheimer's Disease and other Alzheimer's Disease and other
dementias.
There is a link between diet, physical and mental exercise and many
of the factors that are associated with the development and
treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease and other
dementias. Current research however provides no evidence
to indicate that Alzheimer's Disease and other Alzheimer's Disease
and other dementias can be prevented by diet, or by diet in
conjunction with physical and mental exercise.
This series of articles outlines the part that diet can play in
promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Dietary and lifestyle factors that may
affect Alzheimer's Disease & Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias
A number of dietary and lifestyle factors have been associated with
an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease and other
dementias. These include high levels
of cholesterol; risk factors for developing heart disease, stroke
and Type 2 diabetes; high blood pressure (hypertension) and obesity.
Although direct links may not yet be proven, such factors are linked
with other diseases and conditions that are in turn associated with
the risk of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.
Dietary factors that have been associated with reduced risk of
developing Alzheimer's disease or other causes of Alzheimer's
Disease and other dementias include:
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Reduced levels of cholesterol and saturated fats
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The importance of fish in the diet
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Antioxidants, vitamins and supplements
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Alcohol (with caution - excess alcohol poses a significant health
hazard).
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Reducing levels of saturated fats
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Studies have shown that people with the highest level of fats or
fatty acids, which occur in hydrogenated vegetable oils, in the diet
have a higher risk of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias, while people with a diet that favours unsaturated, hydrogenated fats decrease their risk. A diet
that lowers cholesterol levels and includes fish contributes to a
reduction in consumption of saturated fats.
Avoiding obesity
Research has shown that being obese (very overweight) during
mid-life is a risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease and other
dementias. It is important to achieve
and maintain a healthy weight by eating well and balancing this with
activity, such as an exercise programme.
Lowering cholesterol levels
High levels of cholesterol may contribute to the risk of developing
Alzheimer's disease by aiding the production of beta-amyloid
protein, which is one of the chemicals thought to cause damage to
the brain in Alzheimer's disease. High levels of cholesterol also
increase the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and
stroke that are linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease and
other dementias.
There is some evidence that medications used to lower cholesterol
levels reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. However,
these medications, called 'statins,' have a range of side effects. A
diet that reduces the level of LDL (or 'bad') cholesterol may be
beneficial in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease as
well as reducing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and
diabetes.
Foods high in cholesterol should be avoided or consumed only in
limited quantities; these include meat fat, full fat dairy products,
some takeaway foods and processed foods such as cakes and biscuits.
- Source: Alzheimer's Australia. This information provides a general
summary only of the subject matter covered. Any person with
Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias, their families or carers should seek professional advice
about the specific case. Alzheimer's Australia is not liable for any
error or omission in this information, even if negligent.
Foods That Protect the Brain - Part 1
Foods That Protect the Brain - Part 2
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