While research into Alzheimer’s focuses on drugs to prevent or reverse the disease, researchers at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center have already discovered there’s truth in the old adage, “you are what you eat” when it comes to Alzheimer’s risk prevention.
Based on observational studies, Rush researchers have found that the MIND diet may ward off the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, such as cognitive decline and memory impairment. Including parts of both the Mediterranean and DASH diets, which are aimed at controlling blood pressure and improving heart health, the MIND diet goes a step further to address cognitive issues.
None of the 923 people who participated in the study had been previously diagnosed with any type of dementia. At the end of the 4 ½-year study, those who closely followed the guidelines of the diet were determined to be at a 53% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s. And even those who only moderately adhered to the diet had their risk reduced by 35%.
Of particular note, those who ate at least one serving of green vegetables each day had a “dramatic decrease in the rate of cognitive decline… the equivalent of being 11 years younger in age,” according to Dr. Martha Clare Morris, professor of neurological epidemiology at Rush.
Brain-healthy foods in the MIND diet include green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. Five unhealthy food groups to avoid or limit under the MIND diet, to get the maximum preventive benefits, include red meats, butter and stick margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast food.
With a follow-up study underway, we certainly haven’t heard the last of the potential benefits of the MIND diet. Visit The Wall Street Journal to read the full article.
Caregivers from Live Free Home Health Care can help you incorporate the MIND diet and healthy eating into the wellness plan for your loved ones. Contact us today by phone at 603-217-0149 or through our online contact form to find out more about Live Free Home Health Care’s specialized care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia and to schedule a free in-home assessment. Our home care services in Central New Hampshire and the Lakes Region provide caregivers specially trained by a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
Live Free Home Health Care serves the cities of Laconia, Meredith, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Gilford, Center, Sandwich and the surrounding areas, with top quality elder care and respite care providers. Find out how our fully trained and experienced caregivers can help your loved one live independently in his or her own home despite cognitive impairment.