Nutrients To Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that results from the complex interplay of multiple mechanisms which, to date, have not been fully understood . Find out what are the main diets and nutrients involved!

There are certain eating habits and nutrients for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease that can slow the development and progression of the disease. However, remember that this disease is chronic and incurable to this day. The only thing that can be done to delay its onset is to improve lifestyle habits, although the genetic component plays an important role.

Below we present a series of dietary strategies that may be helpful in reducing the incidence of this condition. They are backed by science, although this does not mean that their implementation will prevent its occurrence. Take note.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

For starters, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia in older people, affecting 1 in 4 people over the age of 85.

The decline in cognitive function results from the interaction of several factors:

• Age
• Environment
• Educational level
• Genetic vulnerability

The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases has increased dramatically due to the proportion of older people in the world and, to some extent, due to eating habits that produce an environment conducive to neural damage.

Risk factors for the development of Alzheimer’s disease

Although its origin is still unknown, it is known that oxidative stress, dysfunction of mitochondria (cell organelle) and inflammation are central factors in this disease. Specifically, excess free radicals cause damage to DNA, lipids and proteins, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of the disease. Additionally, increased permeability of the intestinal and brain membranes may increase the buildup of toxic substances that increase the risk of developing the condition, according to research published in the journal F1000Research.

The main disorders associated with this damage are cardiovascular risk factors:

• Obesity
• Dyslipidemia
• Arterial hypertension
• Insulin resistance and diabetes

Interaction between nutrition and Alzheimer’s disease

Several authors have explored the use of food components and the role of different eating habits in the development and progression of this neurodegenerative disease.

Specifically, the current diet, such as the Western diet, is associated with the high incidence and prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases. Indeed, it promotes an inflammatory environment in the body.

Molecular mechanisms and nutrients for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

Currently, it is known that certain nutrients interact protectively against many factors in the development of the disease. In particular, the role of omega-3, vitamins E and B, as well as choline and uridine in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has been studied.

However, clinical evidence for the impact of isolated supplementation of these nutrients on Alzheimer’s disease is still insufficient. Therefore, diets containing functional products have been studied to address many risk factors.

Mediterranean diet

The scientific literature refers to this diet as a potential neuroprotective treatment. It is known that the Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and vegetable fatty acids.

The Mediterranean diet is a dietary model, because it is rich in:

• Monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly olive oil)
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in fish)
• Many antioxidants: sulfur compounds, anthocyanins, catechins, flavonoids, indoles and lutein
• Vitamins A, complex B, D and E
• Cardioprotective minerals: calcium, magnesium and potassium, as well as iodine, sodium and selenium

Mediterranean diet and Alzheimer’s disease

Clinical studies have investigated the influence of this diet on cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. A study published in the Archives of Neurology, conducted among an American population, found that the greater the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition, it has been found that this type of diet is able to preserve a greater volume of gray matter . It also helps to produce a lower accumulation of β-amyloid substances. These are linked to the increased risk of developing the disease.

DASH diet and nutrients for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

The DASH diet is a diet model that was created by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This eating plan is characterized by nutrients that lower blood pressure and protect against several cardiovascular risk factors that play a role in the development of dementia and the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies, such as the one published in the journal Neurology by Tangney et al, have found that adherence to this diet is significantly associated with less cognitive decline and a reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.

MIND diet

The MIND diet is a combination of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet. Its impact has been studied to delay the neurodegenerative process and decrease the incidence rates of Alzheimer’s disease. It is based on 10 foods that are good for the brain :

• Legumes
• Dried fruits
• Olive oil
• Red fruits (rich in polyphenols)
• Green leafy vegetables (rich in polyphenols)
• Lean meats: fish (rich in omega 3) and chicken.

It also excludes foods typical of the Western diet that contribute to cardiovascular risk:

• Red meat
• Butter and margarine
• Cheese
• Pastries and sweets

Ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet is a diet low in carbohydrates (HC) and high in fat, which has a fasting effect on the body, producing a state of ketosis. This regimen has been used for over 100 years, including for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy.

While the usual diet is 55% carbohydrate, 30% fatty acids, and 15% protein, the proportions in the ketogenic diet are 8% carbohydrates, 90% fatty acids, and 7% protein.

Therefore, these changes in eating habits are difficult to maintain and are not very appetizing, especially if you want to maintain them for a long time.

Ketogenic diet: impact of ketones and nutrients for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

The neuroprotective effects of this diet are linked to the biochemical changes that occur after the production of ketone bodies . These increase mitochondrial respiration and improve mitochondrial function.

They also have antioxidant activity. These effects have been classified by experts as being protective against the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

In addition, the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 3) from this diet, promotes the excitability of neuronal membranes, while reducing inflammatory conditions and the production of free radicals.

Dietary changes and nutrients for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

In conclusion, if it is true that Alzheimer’s disease results from the interaction of multiple mechanisms which, to date, are not fully understood. A correlation has been established between cardiovascular risk factors, cognitive impairment, the development of dementia and the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases.

Therefore, one measure for the prevention and treatment of these diseases is to provide the body with nutrients that attack inflammation, promote antioxidant activity, and decrease the build-up of substances that promote neuronal death.