Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affect 1 in 11 Canadians over the age of 65. Read on to learn about some common questions related to nutrition and dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
What is dementia? What is Alzheimer’s?
Dementia is a disease that affects the brain. This usually ends up causing a loss of brain function by damaging thinking and memory skills.
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. The risk for Alzheimer’s increases as a person gets older, especially if there is family history of the disease. However, Alzheimer’s is not part of the normal aging process.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s include loss of memory and difficulty with judgement and reasoning. It can also affect one’s mood, behaviour and the ability to communicate. This makes day-to-day living more difficult, and people with Alzheimer’s will often need the support from another person to help with their daily activities.
Alzheimer’s gets worse with time and is an irreversible disease. Currently, research is being done to help understand the causes of this disease so that better treatment options are available to prevent symptoms from getting worse.
Are there any diets that help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s
Research has found that eating a Mediterranean-style diet high in vegetables and fruits, fish, legumes, nuts and olive oil may help reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. The MIND diet has also been found to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. Ask a dietitian about these diets to find out if they are right for you.
Do supplements prevent or slow down dementia?
No. There have been many research studies that have looked at how supplements can protect people from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. For example, Vitamin E and C supplements have been researched for their role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. However, it has not been shown that taking supplements of these vitamins will prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Not enough research has been done to show that B vitamin supplements can prevent or improve cognitive function in people who already have dementia. These supplements will not improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s once it has already started.
Supplements are not recommended in preventing or slowing down dementia. However, for people who may not be getting enough of some nutrients, they may benefit from taking supplements. Health Canada recommends that everyone over the age of 50 take a vitamin D supplement containing 400 IU (10 micrograms). If you are wondering if you would benefit from a supplement, speak with a dietitian. They can assess your diet and find out if you are getting enough vitamins and minerals from food. Check with a healthcare professional before starting a supplement.
Does aluminum cause Alzheimer’s?
Research has found that people with Alzheimer’s may have higher levels of metals like aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury in their brain. For aluminum specifically, the studies were done in those exposed to higher levels of airborne aluminum at work. Aluminum is naturally found in some foods like tea, coffee, grains and additives in processed foods. It is also found in our utensils, cookware, food packaging and medications. However, our bodies absorb very little aluminum from these sources. On average, the intake of aluminum by Canadians is well below the safe level. To help keep us safe, Health Canada monitors the amount of aluminum in our food supply. To minimize your risk, try to avoid cooking or storing food for a long time in aluminum cookware.
Can drinking alcohol reduce the risk of dementia?
Even though some studies have found that drinking small amounts of alcohol may lower risk of dementia, there are more risks from drinking alcohol than benefits. Drinking alcohol is not recommended as a way to reduce the risk of dementia. If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. It is recommended that women drink no more than 2 standard drinks per day and less than 10 per week and that men drink no more than 3 standard drinks per day and less than 15 per week.
Can omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of dementia?
At this time, supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids is not recommended for preventing dementia. However, it has been found that getting omega-3s from food, like fatty fish, may help lower risk of Alzheimer’s. Examples of fatty fish include:: salmon, anchovies, mackerel, sardines, halibut and whitefish.
How can a dietitian help?
A dietitian can review what you are currently eating and make sure you are getting enough important nutrients and give recommendations on how to boost nutrition and if you would benefit from a supplement. If you are interested in trying a Mediterranean or MIND diet, a dietitian can help guide you. Connect with a dietitian today!
Bottom Line
The risk for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease increases as we get older. Scientists are looking at how we can prevent or slow down dementia or Alzheimer’s. At this time there are no known supplements and specific foods that help prevent these conditions, however eating a Mediterranean-style diet with lots of vegetables and fruits, fish, nuts, legumes and olive oil may help.
You may also be interested in:
Omega-3 Fats Deliver Oh Mega Benefits
A Guide to Healthy Eating for Older Adults
What Can I Expect When I Go and See a Dietitian?
This article was written and reviewed by dietitians from Dietitians of Canada. The advice in this article is intended as general information and should not replace advice given by your dietitian or healthcare provider.
Last Update – October 27, 2022