Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, although it’s impacting a growing number of adults. Currently incurable, the disease characterized by toxic plaques and tangles in the brain leads to symptoms of memory loss, personality changes, trouble performing everyday tasks and death.
Scientists have struggled to bring meaningful therapies to the table, but 2016 marks a year of promising findings, including science-backed evidence that food and exercise plays a huge role in prevention.
UCLA researchers used PET scans to show a Mediterranean diet, regular physical activity and a healthy BMI go a long way in lower your risk of developing the toxic plaques and tangles that lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
In other Alzheimer’s breakthroughs, researchers have found a link between the gut and Alzheimer’s and between certain popular drugs and the disease. More natural treatments and preventatives may include marijuana, certain foods and supplements — showing promise in reversing Alzheimer’s related inflammation and memory loss.
Foods to Eat:
Organic, unprocessed foods — Make sure you diet includes plenty of “real foods.” These are foods that don’t have an ingredient listing. Vegetables, clean meats and fruit in moderation are all important foods to consume.
Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E — There may be some connection between free radicals and Alzheimer’s. Antioxidant foods help combat the damage caused by free radicals. Colorful fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and should be consumed at every meal.
Wild-caught fish — A great source for omega-3 fats, DHA specifically, which are critical for brain health.
Foods high in zinc — Many people with Alzheimer’s are deficient in zinc. Foods high in zinc include pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef and dark chocolate.
Coconut oil — Coconut oil uses include providing the brain with ketones, which serves as brain fuel instead of glucose. Some people have seen significant improvement to memory after adding coconut to their diet.
Foods to Avoid:
Any food containing toxins or additives — These foods can possibly be neurotoxic.Be sure to especially avoid the “dirty dozen“: nonorganic fruits and vegetables that are coated with neurotoxic agricultural chemicals. Studies show people with higher levels of organochlorine pesticides in their blood, including DDE, a breakdown compound of DDT, face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also best to avoid any processed foods.
Alcohol — Alcohol is a toxin and can cause brain cells to die faster than normal. In fact, there is such a thing as “alcohol-related dementia.” Research shows that the frontal lobes of people diagnosed with alcoholism appear particularly susceptible to damage, with evidence of markedly decreased neuron density, volume shrinkage, and altered glucose metabolism and perfusion.
Tap water — Tap water may contain environmental toxins, including aluminum salts (see below), so be sure test your water if you drink tap water (or get a recent water testing report if you drink municipal water) and filter out contaminants. Environmental Working Group issued a great drinking water filter guide to help you find the best one for your circumstance.
Sugar and refined grains — Alzheimer’s may be caused by insulin resistance, similar to diabetes. Therefore, keeping your insulin low by eliminating sugar and refined grains will be an important component in maintaining brain health.
Foods packaged in aluminum containers — Aluminum is neurotoxic at high levels, so it’s best to avoid it. In fact, research shows aluminum enters neurons similarly to how iron does, leading to aluminum accumulation and neurofibrillary damage linked to Alzheimer’s progression. You should particularly avoid heating food in aluminum; the heat is known to release more toxic compounds.
Essential Oils for Alzheimer’s
Frankincense oil and rosemary oil support brain function and neurological development. Put 2 drops of frankincense oil on the roof of your mouth twice daily and rub rosemary oil into scalp after getting out of shower daily.