Food for Thought:
The Role of Nutrition & Alzheimers
A featured article from the August 2003 Issue of the
Country Side Living Newsletter

Although it is over simplification to believe the old saying that "you are what you eat", a well-balanced diet plays an important role in body and brain health. There is a growing research into the influence of dietary factors on the development and treatment of Alzheimers Disease (AD). Some of these findings point to the impact of cholesterol levels on AD while others are looking at particular foods that may hold secrets to effectively treating the disease or maintaining healthy brain functions. The following is a portion of an article appearing in the "Perspectives" newsletter, Vol 7, #2 dated February 2002.

Antioxidant-rich foods
Some studies suggest that lifelong accumulation of free radicals in the brain may be linked to brain cell damage and Alzheimers disease. Free radicals are molecules produced by the body that may have certain benefits, such as fighting infection. Too many of these molecules, however, can injure the brain cells, leading to a process called "oxidative stress". Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress and may be beneficial in preventing or treating AD.

Well known antioxidants include Vitamins E, C, and beta-carotene. More recently, researchers have been looking at foods rich in anti-oxidants to determine whether they can play a role in maintaining healthy brain function. Spinach, blueberries, and strawberries are particularly rich in antioxidants and the finding from at least one animal study suggests that a diet rich in these foods may help to reduce age-related brain deficiencies. A simpler method may be to take an antioxidant supplement found in many health food and drug stores. Many persons with AD are also advised to take Vitamin E supplements. However, since large doses of Vitamin E can also be a blood thinner, it is important to check with your doctor before beginning any antioxidant or Vitamin E supplements.

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