Discuss the possible roles of nutrition in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease

Answer 1

In Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, brain cell death occurs in the areas of the brain that coordinate memory and cognition. Alzheimer's disease afflicts more than 5 million people in the United States, and that number is expected to triple by the year 2050.

Nerve cells in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease show evidence of free-radical attack—damage to DNA, cell membranes, and proteins—and of the minerals that trigger these attacks—iron, copper, zinc, and aluminum. Some research suggests that the antioxidant nutrients can limit free-radical damage and delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease, but more research is needed to confirm this possibility.

Increasing evidence also suggests that overweight and obesity in middle age are associated with dementia in general, and with Alzheimer's disease in particular. The possible relationship between obesity and Alzheimer's disease is disturbing given the current obesity epidemic. Efforts to prevent and treat obesity, however, may also help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Diets designed to support a healthy heart, which include the omega-3 fatty acids of oily fish, may benefit brain health as well. Maintaining appropriate body weight may be the most important nutrition concern for the person with Alzheimer's disease.