According to the Mayo Clinic, a non-profit organization dedicated to clinical practice, education and research, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, which is a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills.
In addition, Medline Plus, the US National Library of Medicine, notes that Alzheimer’s usually begins after age 60. the risk increases with a person’s age, but the risk is higher if there are people in the family who have had the disease.
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Now it is important to note that Alzheimer’s is a condition that cannot be preventedbut the nonprofit has shown that it is possible to change several lifestyle risk factors, such as proper nutrition.
In fact, the Portuguese health, nutrition and wellness portal Tua Saúde reported that five foods that help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s:
1. Salmon: “It’s a great source of omega-3s, which are essential for building brain and nerve cells, and are essential for speeding up brain response, facilitating learning, and improving memory.”
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In addition, he explained that “Some studies also show that omega-3 salmon appears to help reduce depression by improving the production and function of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.”
2. Dark Chocolate: “It is rich in flavonoids, catechins and epicatechins, which have antioxidant effects that reduce brain cell damage and stimulate brain oxygenation, which can help improve learning and slow down the natural mental decline of aging, especially memory. Therefore, dark chocolate may help prevent Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.”
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3. Tomato: “Tomatoes contain lycopene and fisetin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, help reduce neuronal inflammation and oxidative stress caused by free radicals, and therefore help prevent diseases that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral ischemia, and seizures.”
4 eggs: “They are a good source of nutrients associated with brain health, including vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid and choline. The B-complex vitamins and folic acid are essential for brain development and the formation of neuronal components, improving their functioning.”
Meanwhile, other options that may reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s include the following:
“Studies have shown that participation in social activities, reading, dancing, board games, creativity, playing musical instruments, and other mentally and socially active activities help maintain intellectual ability in adulthood and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” the nonprofit organization’s website says.
In any case, the above information is in no way a substitute for medical advice and therefore the first thing to do is to consult with a healthcare professional so they can guide the process and indicate what is most appropriate for each individual.