Alzheimers Disease

Health Condition

Alzheimer’s Disease

The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.

  • Fish

    Eating a diet high in fish has been linked to a decreased Alzheimer’s disease risk.
    Fish
    ×

    In population studies, high dietary intake of fat and calories was associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, whereas high intake of fish was associated with a decreased risk.78,79,80 Whether these associations represent cause and effect is unknown.

  • Aluminum-Containing Foods

    Although aluminum’s role in Alzheimer’s development of remains controversial, people wanting to reduce risk can take steps to minimize their dietary exposure to the potentially toxic metal.
    Aluminum-Containing Foods
    ×

    Whether aluminum in the diet can cause Alzheimer’s disease remains controversial.81,82 A preliminary study found Alzheimer’s disease patients are more likely to have consumed foods high in aluminum additives (e.g., some grain product desserts, American cheese, chocolate pudding, chocolate beverages, salt, and some chewing gum), compared to people without the disease.83 Until this issue is resolved, it seems prudent for healthy people to take steps to minimize exposure to this unnecessary and potentially toxic metal by reducing intake of foods cooked in aluminum pots, foods that come into direct contact with aluminum foil, beverages stored in aluminum cans, and foods containing aluminum additives. Aluminum is added to some municipal water supplies to prevent the accumulation of particulates. In such areas, bottled water may be preferable. It appears unlikely, however, that avoidance of aluminum exposure after the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease could significantly affect the course of the disease.

  • Low-Fat

    Reduce your risk with a low-fat diet. A diet high in fat and calories has been associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
    Low-Fat
    ×

    In population studies, high dietary intake of fat and calories was associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, whereas high intake of fish was associated with a decreased risk.84,85,86 Whether these associations represent cause and effect is unknown.

References

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58. Snowdon DA, Tully CL, Smith CD, et al. Serum folate and the severity of atrophy of the neocortex in Alzheimer disease: findings from the Nun study. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:993-8.

59. Joosten E, Lesaffre E, Riezler R, et al. Is metabolic evidence for vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency more frequent in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease? J Gastroenterol 1997;52A:M76-M79.

60. Ebly EM, Schaefer JP, Campbell NR, Hogan DB. Folate status, vascular disease and cognition in elderly Canadians. Age Ageing 1998;27:485-91.

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62. Gauthier S, Bouchard R, Lamontagne A, et al. Tetrahydroaminoacridine-lecithin combination treatment in patients with intermediate-stage Alzheimer's disease. Results of a Canadian double-blind, crossover, multicenter study. N Engl J Med 1990;322:1272-6.

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74. Clarke R, Smith D, Jobst KA, et al. Folate, vitamin B12, and serum total homocysteine levels in confirmed Alzheimer disease. Arch Neurol 1998;55:1449-55.

75. Snowdon DA, Tully CL, Smith CD, et al. Serum folate and the severity of atrophy of the neocortex in Alzheimer disease: findings from the Nun study. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:993-8.

76. Joosten E, Lesaffre E, Riezler R, et al. Is metabolic evidence for vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency more frequent in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease? J Gastroenterol 1997;52A:M76-M79.

77. Ebly EM, Schaefer JP, Campbell NR, Hogan DB. Folate status, vascular disease and cognition in elderly Canadians. Age Ageing 1998;27:485-91.

78. Grant WB. Dietary links to Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer Dis Rev 1997;2:42-55.

79. Smith MA, Petot GJ, Perry G. Diet and oxidative stress: a novel synthesis of epidemiological data on Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer Dis Rev 1997;2:58-9.

80. Kalmijn S, Lauher LJ, Ott A, et al. Dietary fat intake and the risk of incident dementia in the Rotterdam study. Ann Neurol 1997;42:776-82.

81. Munoz DG. Is exposure to aluminum a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer disease?—No. Arch Neurol 1998;55:737-9.

82. Forbes WF, Hill GB. Is exposure to aluminum a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer disease?—Yes. Arch Neurol 1998;55:740-1.

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84. Grant WB. Dietary links to Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer Dis Rev 1997;2:42-55.

85. Smith MA, Petot GJ, Perry G. Diet and oxidative stress: a novel synthesis of epidemiological data on Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer Dis Rev 1997;2:58-9.

86. Kalmijn S, Lauher LJ, Ott A, et al. Dietary fat intake and the risk of incident dementia in the Rotterdam study. Ann Neurol 1997;42:776-82.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.

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