Could diet hold the key to the prevention of Alzheimer's?
Although the causes of Alzheimer's remain unknown, much research has been undertaken in recent years which has attempted to identify links between its development, and changeable lifestyle factors, in order to aim for an improved standard of future treatment and prevention. Diet continues to feature as a pre-eminent affecting factor, and seems to hold the most promise in the UK's aging clime with regards to possible long-term abatement of the disease.
Eat Mediterranean to stave off Alzheimer's
Health benefits of the Med diet
Research has to date pointed to the potential health benefits of Vitamins B3 and B12, Beta Carotene, Omega 3, and caffeine, among other substances shown to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other cognitive impairment conditions.
Vitamin B3
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience recently demonstrated that Vitamin B3 (otherwise known as Nicotinamide) has the potential to reduce the levels of a protein which leads to one of two brain lesions often associated with the development of Alzheimer’s. The vitamin was also shown to help strengthen the connections along which information travels in brain cells, preventing the death of neurons which can lead to cognitive impairment.
Although more research is needed into the necessitated dosage needed in order for the vitamin to have a significant impact as regards staving off the disease, the research promisingly suggests a potential preventative treatment which is cheap and sourceable; via the consumption of a substance occurring naturally in meat, fish, beans, cereals and potatoes (as well as being available as an over the counter supplement).
Vitamin B12
Has also been hailed as helping to prevent brain shrinkage, by a study which identified links between low levels of the vitamin and high levels of the condition in older people; brain shrinkage constituting a common cause of memory loss and being widely associated with the development of dementia. In the study, University of Oxford scientists examined 107 people between the ages of 61 and 87 and found that people with lower vitamin B12 levels were six times more likely to experience brain shrinkage than those with higher levels of the vitamin in the blood.
Beta Carotene and Omega 3
Found naturally in fruit and vegetables, vital to a healthy, balanced diet, both Beta Carotene and Omega 3 have been found to help lower your risk of developing dementia. As regards Omega 3, scientists stressed that fatty acids such as those in fatty fish and nuts, which are particularly beneficial as regards staving off the condition, should be used to balance out the less beneficial Omega 6 acids which are found in products like sunflower oil.
Caffeine
Various studies have been undertaken concerning the potential benefits of caffeine as regards delaying and preventing Alzheimer’s, and one study has found that three cups a day can significantly lessen the chances of cognitive decline in older people. Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer's society, states that “These findings add weight to the body of existing evidence suggesting long-term caffeine intake may have a protective effect against the onset of Alzheimer's disease.”
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