Neurologist makes dinner to prevent Alzheimer’s disease
According to one report, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s Association report to be released in 2024.
Diet is usually included in first-line advice to reduce the chance of developing other diseases, such as heart disease, many cancers, and type 2 diabetes.
However, in the case of Alzheimer’s disease, the association between diet and risk is less well known and more data are needed. “The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are multifactorial, complex, and still not fully understood,” he explains. Dr. Jonathan J. Rasouli, MD, Director of Complex Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Staten Island University Hospital.
However, Dr. Rasouli says there are also studies that point to a link between the onset and prevention of dementia (Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia).
“Therefore, it’s a good idea to understand how food, diet, and exercise can play a role in the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s,” Dr. Rasouli added. “If you can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease by eating certain foods, why not? It seems like a risk worth taking.”
Now, the next question is, “What’s for dinner?” Dr. Rasouli shared what he eats for dinner to prevent (or at least reduce the risk of) Alzheimer’s disease.
A neurologist’s go-to dinner to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease
When in doubt, Dr. Rasouli makes grilled salmon with turmeric seasoning and a side of steamed broccoli.
“While there is no definitive link between eating certain foods and preventing Alzheimer’s disease, I like foods that contain healthy omega fatty acids and phytonutrients and are low in carbohydrates, processed sugars, and fats. ” says Dr. Rasouli.
a Large-scale meta-analysis in 2023 The study, which involved more than 103,000 participants, found that consuming omega-3 fatty acids could reduce the likelihood of all-cause dementia and cognitive decline by about 20%. level of evidence.”
Turmeric contains curcumin as its main active ingredient. a 2019 review Animal studies have shown that curcumin may help alleviate or reverse memory loss in rodents.
When it comes to broccoli, a growing body of research shows that vegetables like broccoli are *chef’s kiss* to the brain. 2017 meta-analysis and 2022 survey About Japanese adults.
All of these nutrients are great, but you need to make sure your dishes are “healthy.”
“Although the diet itself is fairly healthy, it’s generally a good idea to watch your intake of carbohydrates, sugar, and salt, which can contribute to insulin resistance and poor health. ” says Dr. Rasouli.
So avoid sprinkling your salmon with tons of salt (adding turmeric should add flavor) or serving it with heaps of high-carbohydrate, high-sugar side dishes.
But Dr. Rasouli likes the idea of this dinner more than the nutritional aspect. “It’s so delicious, I never get tired of it,” he says. “It’s very easy to make and doesn’t require many ingredients.”
In other words, even a busy person can enjoy grilled salmon and steamed broccoli seasoned with turmeric.
Related: “I’m a cardiologist and I eat this fish at least once a week for heart health.”
Common ways to eat well to improve brain health
Whether salmon is your jam or not, Dr. Rasouli says following a few common components and avoiding certain pitfalls can help you create a better, brain-healthier dinner. I am.
“A dinner that’s low in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats is not only good for Alzheimer’s disease prevention, but also good for your overall health,” he explains. “I try to avoid red meat, processed meats like sausages, and foods that are high in sugar. These are known to cause insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for dementia.”
One 2022 survey More than 37,000 people have linked high sugar intake to a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease in older women. Review published in 2023. alzheimer’s disease journal found that eating meat, especially red and processed meat, and ultra-processed foods are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
Conversely, green vegetables and omega-3s are hallmarks of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, with the latter focusing on low-sodium foods. Neither diet favors processed foods or red meat.a Research published in neurology Autopsies of adults who consumed these diets showed fewer signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
next: 7 things that happen to your body if you don’t eat enough vegetables
source of information
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Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. alzheimer’s disease association
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Dr. Jonathan J. Rasouli, MDDirector of Complex Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Staten Island University Hospital
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Association of omega-3 fatty acids with dementia and cognitive decline: Evidence from a prospective cohort study of supplements, dietary intake, and blood markers. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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Effects of curcumin on memory impairment: A systematic review. plant medicine.
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Increased fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia: a meta-analysis. Frontiers of aging neuroscience.
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Long-term association between vegetable and fruit intake and dementia risk in older Japanese adults: Hisayama study. BMC.
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Dietary sugar intake and risk of Alzheimer’s disease in older women. nutritional neuroscience.
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The role of diet in changes in Alzheimer’s disease risk: history and current understanding. alzheimer’s disease journal
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Association of Mediterranean-DASH Intervention and Mediterranean Diet for Delaying Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease. neurology
