Alzheimer's Diet Alzheimers disease is a progressive condition that damages the regions of the brain that are involved in memory, judgment, language, intelligence and behavior, but can be prevented and treated by following an Alzheimers diet.
This disease is the cause of mental decline in most cases among older adults and is generally diagnosed in individuals aged seventy and over. Alzheimers is quite frightening because not only does it affect memory, but also affects personality, behavior, the ability to function on a daily basis.
Although the causes of Alzheimers are relatively unknown, experts believe that it could be caused by multiple factors like a family with a history of the disease, serious head injuries, smoking tobacco, elevated homocysteine levels or exposure to high levels of lead or zinc.
There is no known medical treatment or cure for Alzheimers and medications are mainly used for treatment of the symptoms rather than to prevent and contain mental deterioration. Scientists, however, now believe that dietary measures can be used to prevent and control this debilitating disease.
An Alzheimers diet would ideally be rich in vitamin E and vitamin C along with fish. It would also be wise to restrict the amount of saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol in the diet because findings from most studies indicate that Alzheimers disease is much more prevalent among individuals on a diet that is both high-fat and high-calorie. A high intake of salt, alcohol and refined carbohydrates has also been found to add to the risk. The consumption of fish, on the other hand, has been found to reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. According to some researchers, this could be because of the presence of anti-inflammatory substances in fish oil that may possibly delay the onset of the disease.
Antioxidants are also believed to as beneficial in an Alzheimers diet as anti-inflammatory agents. Many physicians recommend a diet that includes antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, selenium, and ginkgo biloba extract.
Apart from its antioxidant properties, ginkgo biloba increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, thus boosting brain function. It is also advisable that Alzheimer's patients avoid processed foods, alcohol, tobacco, and environmental toxins, particularly metals like aluminium and mercury.
In general, some foods that an Alzheimers diet should include are homemade yogurt, defatted soy flour, oatmeal, whole grain cereal and breads, sugar and fat-free foods. The diet should also include low fat tomato sauces and pasta, salmon and other fish, green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and pumpkin. Include these foods in your diet, while excluding red meats, hydrogenated oils, excessive amounts of butter and animal fats. Other foods to avoid are fast food, excessive amounts of coffee, sugar, chocolates, and aerated drinks or alcohol. All these measures would contribute to a healthy Alzheimers diet. |
