How to Head off Alzheimer's
Dementia, also known as Alzheimer’s, is one of the foremost concerns associated with aging. Baby Boomers, who may already be dealing with this disease in respect to their aging parents, know full well that it could be their turn next. The thought of one’s brain atrophying and resulting in loss of memory and cognitive abilities is a terrifying prospect. Many doctors and scientists believe that eating the right foods can be an effective tool in safeguarding our brains from this horrible affliction.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Stamp out those pesky free radicals that can destroy a healthy brain, as well as other parts of the body. Free radicals are harmful oxygen molecules that damage healthy tissue. Researchers from Vanderbilt University in Nashville and the University of South Florida in Tampa discovered that those who drank fruit- and vegetable juice at least three times a week had a 76 percent lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who drank fruit or vegetable juices only once a week. Fruit and vegetable juice contain antioxidants, which exact warfare on free radicals.
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Adapt the Mediterranean diet, which is good for the heart as well as helping prevent cancer and Alzheimer’s. Those living in the Mediterranean eat a diet that consists primarily of fruit, vegetables, fish, whole grains and unsaturated fat (olive and canola oil).
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Try incorporating more dairy foods, kidney beans, read meats and eggs into your diet. Researchers note that these items contain carnitine, which is a natural substance that resembles amino acids. The carnitine carries fat into the brain cells and that fat helps the cells remain resistant to the progression of dementia.
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Take Vitamin B, which helps maintain the protective covering on nerves.
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Keep your mind active. Read, do puzzles, stay physically active. Learn how to knit or crochet. Go outside and dig in the dirt. Purposely challenging yourself mentally will help keep your mind keen and may slow down the aging process. Remember the old adage: If you don't use it, you'll lose it. Don’t allow yourself to get mentally lazy. Keep pushing your brain. Keep it invigorated. You’re never too old to learn a new word, a new language or a new trick. Try out that computer that’s been sitting, untouched, in your spare room for years. Learn how to email or text. Listen to music. Enlist the help of your children or grandchildren, who are technologically savvy.
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Tips & Warnings
Talk to your physician or a nutritionist about ways to keep your brain healthy. Ask about vitamin therapy.
Some researchers think there is a connection between aluminum and Alzheimer’s. However, this has never been proven conclusively. If you choose to be on the safe side, avoid cooking in aluminum pans and storing foods in aluminum foil.
