|
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of
dementia. It is a progressive disease in which there is a
gradual and continual death of brain cells. Symptoms include
memory loss, confusion and mood swings.
There
is a connection between Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease
and therefore it has been suggested that known cardiovascular dietary
risk factors, such as intake of saturated fat, may influence disease
progression.
Epidemiological studies
( looking at groups of people and disease incidence) have identified
that populations with low rates of Alzheimer's disease tended to eat
more fish, monounsaturated fats and cereals.
Higher rates of the disease were found in populations with high
intakes of saturated fat and meat and who were obese.
A
recent study looking at the antioxidant resveratrol, which is found in
grapes, red wine, berries and peanuts, has been shown to lower the
levels of certain peptides that cause the plaques in the brain
associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Supplementation with antioxidants
has not been shown to have any significant affect on the disease in
trials so far, but a high intake of antioxidants through consumption of
fruit and vegetables should be encouraged in those who already have the
disease as well as a means of prevention.
If you would like more detailed advice please contact Emma at
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
or call 01623 882853.
Last modified: July 2008
Sources:
'Changing Diets, Changing Minds' Report Sustain & Mental health Foundation 2005
'Resveratrol
promotes clearance of Alzheimer's disease amyloid-beta
peptides' Marambaud et al, 2005 Journal of Biological
Chemistry 280 (45) p37377-82
'A review of antioxidants and Alzheimer's disease' Frank & Gupta, 2005 Annals of Clinical Psychiatry 17 (4) p269-86
'Reversing
the deleterious effecst of aging on neuronal communication and
behaviour: beneficial properties of fruit polyphenolic compounds'
Joseph et al, 2005 81 (1 suppl ) p313S-316S
|
