Alzheimers Disease And Nutrition A Possible Link?

Make sure to tune in to the Alzheimers Foundation of Americas Together for Care telethon, airing December 4. As recently as 2008, when a director of the Healthy Aging Program at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention sought to establish the publics perceptions about cognitive health and Alzheimers, she found most adults to be aware of Alzheimers disease - but lacking in specific information about the disease and its treatments.

And although American adults fear getting Alzheimers more than heart disease, stroke or diabetes, almost nine out of 10 people have taken no steps to prepare for the disease that attacks nearly 50 percent of those who live past age 85, according to the MetLife Foundations Alzheimers Survey.

Whats even more frightening is the expected conslaught of the disease as the first baby boomers are about to turn 65 next year  and advanced age is the greatest known risk factor for the brain disorder, with the incidence of dementia doubling every five years beyond age 65.

There IS a lot to know about this progressive, degenerative disorder “ and while the exact causes are still somewhat unknown, nutrition may be part of the puzzle. Joy Bauer, nutrition expert for NBCs TODAY Show, says, As we raise awareness of Alzheimers disease, one message we need to get out is that healthy lifestyle choices can play a role in helping to fight this illness, just like they do for other chronic diseases.

Eating nutritious meals and snacks and incorporating exercise into your daily routine is a big part of that. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by living a healthy lifestyle.Ironically and sadly, Joya s own grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimeras the same day Joyas first child was born.

One of the best changes you can make is adding leafy green vegetables like nutrient rich spinach, kale and Swiss chard--to meals and recipes. These powerhouse veggies can dramatically boost the quality of your diet,as says Joy.

Other Nutrition Tips:

• Avoid trans-fat and saturated fats (such as red meats) and cholesterol

These fats can cause inflammation, as well as produce free radicals which, in high quantities, can damage or even kill valuable brain cells. (To keep a check on free radicals, eat foods high in 

antioxidants like vitamins C and E)......... Read More.......