Specific Dietary Habits May Help to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common form of dementia among the aging population, Alzheimer's Disease may be beneficially impacted by dietary habits. Fiorella Biasi, from University of Turin (Italy), and colleagues authored a review of studies regarding the influence of dietary habits on the onset and progression of Alzheimer's Disease. The team reports that changes in the metabolism of lipids, with the accumulation of oxidized derivatives, may contribute to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's. Specifically, the researchers take note of a critical balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and cholesterol, as a key contributor to the onset of Alzheimer's, because these nutrients are essential for brain homeostasis. As well, the team notes that several studies indicate the consumption of flavonoids, a type of antioxidant vitamin, corresponds to a lower incidence of Alzheimer's. The authors conclude that:  “The use of a diet with an appropriate [omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids] ratio, rich in healthy oils, fish and antioxidants, such as flavonoids, but low in cholesterol-containing foods, can be a beneficial component in the clinical strategies of prevention of [Alzheimer's Disease].”