Dementia is a group of symptoms negatively impacting memory. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is a disease. It slowly impairs memory and brain function.
“It turns out they eat a whole food, colourful, plant-focused diet with Mediterranean fish, omega three fats, lots of nuts and seeds, very good quality saturated fatty acids, extra virgin olive oil, and obviously loads of fruits and veggies, too.”
Evidence in testing has shown a diet high in veg and fruit and low red meat and sugar can reduce dementia risks.
A study from June this year published in the medical journal Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found a Mediterranean-style diet could help remove the protein buildup in the brain associated with dementia.
Those who took part in the study and ate a diet high in unsaturated fats, fish, fruits, and vegetables and low in dairy, red meat, and refined sugar, performed better in memory tests than those who didn’t.
They also showed fewer markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
“So, in a lot of cases, in these blue zones such as Costa Rica, Sardinia, Okinawa, wherever we find the highest concentration of centenarians, not only do they have a really good plan for diet, they will move a lot, they have strong links with the community, they generally have agreed to clean all these things publically consigned for them to live lives.
“And so, that’s more than likely why.
“If there were specific nutrients I would suggest these people eat, certainly they will tend to have like some probiotic food in their diet, whether it be kimchi or salted fish, or sauerkraut.
“And they tend to have all these traits in the diet so that’s kind we want to be teaching people to eat as well.”
Nutritionist Rosie Millen recently discussed the best vitamins and supplements to take during autumn and winter.