I would like to provide recognition to all those who have suffered from Alzheimer ’Dementia and to their caregivers who stood by them lovingly throughout the physical and emotional challenges of this illness.
Currently an estimated 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia is projected to reach 12.7 million.
While dementia is a general term, Alzheimer’s disease is a specific brain disease marked by symptoms of dementia such as decline in memory, changes in thinking or reasoning, decreased focus and attention, or changes in language and behavior.
Alzheimer’s gradually worsens overtime and can be detected as early as age 40. More women than men are affected. Major risk factors are age, family history, and genetics. While researchers are still searching for a cure there, is none yet to stop the brain from declining or the aging process. However, healthcare practitioners lean on nutrition (food and supplements) in the management of cognitive health.
Researchers found that eating a Mediterranean diet slows some changes in the brain that may indicate early Alzheimer’s disease. The results point to a lifestyle change that could help reduce the risk of this type of age-related dementia.
https://oldwayspt.org/traditional-diets/mediterranean-diet
Additionally, nutrients as dietary supplements have also been researched to support brain health and other health conditions that can contribute to cognitive decline.
Here is a chart that demonstrates the role of nutrients in foods and dietary supplements that may support brain health.
Food + Supplements = Total Nutrition
| NUTRIENT | REASON | FOOD | SUPPLEMENTS | OTHER | |
| B-Vitamins:
B-12 B-6 Folic Acid TMG (Trimethylglycine)-Betaine Vitamin B-15 |
Energy production
May lower homocysteine reducing risk of heart attack and stroke |
Liver, clams, oyster, potatoes, banana, rice, cereal, peas, lentils | Multivitamin
Fortified Foods
|
Suggested Intake:
B-12(800mcg) B-6 (40mg) Folic Acid (400mcg |
|
| Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) | 60% of brain is fat
DHA may be associated with dementia decline
Anti-inflammatory
Positive studies on heart health. More long term for brain health |
Fatty Fish:
Salmon, sardines, trout, cod
Vegetarian: Ground flaxseed, canola, soybean, oils, walnuts
|
Fish Oil:
Liquid, soft gels, chews,
Vegetarian: Algae, flaxseed, perilla, hemp oil |
Suggested intake:
EPA/DHA (500mg) (2 servings fatty fish)
EPA/DHA (1000mg) (Heart health) May cause bleeding in high doses. Discontinue prior to surgery *Read labels 3,000mg fish oil=1,000mg Omega-3 Mercury Free |
|
| Phosphatidylserine (PS) | Fat-like substance in cell membranes
May increases neuron transport and communication |
Cow brains, Soy lecithin, egg yolks, chicken, and beef liver | Soft gels, tablets
Lecithin granules/capsules |
Difficult to get adequate amounts from food sources alone. | |
| Huperzine A
|
Chinese herb Huperzia serrata
Cholinesterase inhibitor (delay breakdown acetylcholine, a brain neurotransmitter |
Club moss | Capsules | Avoid if taking cholinesterase inhibitors
May interact with insulin/oral hypoglycemic agents |
|
| Ginkgo biloba | Most clinically tested in Europe for cerebral insufficiency
May improve cognition
May thin blood |
Ginkgo biloba nuts and seeds | Leaf extracts in tablets, capsules or teas | Avoid if bleeding, clotting disorders or anticipating surgery.
Be aware of possible interactions with medications
|
|
| Turmeric Root (Curcumin) | Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
May reduces beta-amyloid and plaque
May boost BDNF. (Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor) |
Spice (curry) – Indian and Asian foods
Natural food coloring (yellow) or flavor enhancement
|
Extracts in capsules | Data observational
more research needed
Caution: when taking blood sugar lowering meds or supplements
Be aware of possible interactions with medications |
|
| Caffeine | Stimulant-energy
blocks sleep adenosine
Antioxidant-brain cell protection
Increases acetylcholine and cortical activity |
Coffee, tea, soft drinks | Not recommended | Moderate amounts only.
Adults = 300mg/day
|
|
| Flavonoids
(Dark Chocolate)
|
Antioxidant
Magnesium/Copper (neurotransmitters)
Stearic acid (cholesterol)
May improve mood cognition, blood flow, HDL |
Dark Chocolate
(active = cocoa)
Provides feeling of satiety
May reduces food craving and overeating
|
Replacement for other sweets | Moderate amounts
1.5 – 3 ounces
High amounts increase calories
Milk chocolate: Less cocoa, high saturated fat and sugar
White chocolate: No cocoa, high saturated fat and sugar |
|
| Aluminum
There has been very little or no evidence linking Aluminum to Alzheimer’s Disease. However, avoid if possible. Use sea salt instead of table salt and caution when using nondairy creamers, antacids, cans, certain cookware, and antiperspirants. |
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https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf
Maglione, Jeanne Marie, MS, RDN, Nutrition for Cognitive Health, Today’s Dietitian
Vol. 12 No. 1 P. 20, January 2010, https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/011110p20.shtml
Stop by Millers Pharmacy, a Daywel Company to speak with our Nutritionist or Pharmacist about natural solutions for Brain Health.
This information is for educational purposes only. Millers Pharmacy a Daywel Company does not claim to cure any cause, condition, or disease. Please check with your health care practitioner, especially if you have a medical condition, before starting or making changes to any diet, exercise, or lifestyle program.