Favoring a certain diet could prevent and protect against Alzheimer’s disease
There Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by progressive deterioration of cognitive and functional abilities, loss of episodic memory, languageas well as neuro-psychiatric symptoms and an increased risk of premature death. Unfortunately, there is still no effective solution to treat it and some drug treatments can lead to adverse effects that will worsen the patient’s situation (source 1). However, recent studies have shown that appropriate nutritional measures can provide the beginnings of solutions, in particular the adoption of a healthy diet in his lifestyle. Carefully chosen foods can slow the progression of neurodegeneration, improve cognitive functions and quality of life in patients with Alzheimer’s. For example, high consumption ofplant-based foods, probiotics, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a low intake of saturated fats, often present in butter, milk, dairy products and meat, animal protein and of refined sugars can reduce the risk of dementia.
A new research published in Frontiers in Neuroscience examined the association between nutritional interventions and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have identified 38 studies published between 2018 and 2022, including randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Analysis of these studies shows that “the adoption of an unhealthy diet, such as a high-fat diet with a high glycemic load and high cholesterol, or a Western diet, is a important risk factor in disease progression because he increases stores of Aβ peptide and other biomarkers of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease” (source 2). In addition, the Western diet is also associated with high levels of inflammation. In contrast, a healthy diet exhibits neuroprotective effects in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Beneficial diets include the Mediterranean diet, the ketogenic diet, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics. The Mediterranean diet improves cognitive performance, increases the volume of gray matter, improves memory and slows its decline.
