Recipes
Dementia is the chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes involving loss of memory, judgment, language, motors skills or other intellectual function caused by damage to or death of the brain’s nerve cells (neurons).
It is estimated that in the U.S., approximately 14% of the elderly population has dementia.1 The most common cause of dementia is the Alzheimer’s type, characterized by neuron plaques and tangled neuron fibers, followed by vascular dementia, which is caused by arterial plaques caused by lower blood flow to the neurons. The signs of dementia vary and may come on slowly or quickly but typically are slow and start with memory loss. Symptoms of dementia may include:
The cause of dementia depends on the type. The cause of Alzheimer’s type dementia is not fully known, but patterns of risk factors have been identified. Ongoing research has suggested that the following factors may be related:
The risks for vascular-type dementia are essentially the same. Since all these are modifiable factors, prevention is possible, so eating foods in order to optimally reduce these risk factors becomes the primary goal.
ONLINE: All members of DrFuhrman.com can search the Ask the Doctor archives for discussions on this topic. Platinum and Diamond members can connect with Dr. Fuhrman by posting questions in the forum. Not a member? Join now.
IN PERSON: Book a stay at Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat to Live Retreat in Southern California. With options ranging from one, two and three months (and sometimes longer) you will be under Dr. Fuhrman’s direct medical supervision as you hit the “reset” button on your health. For more information: (949) 432-6295 or info@ETLRetreat.com.
EVENTS: Join Dr. Fuhrman for an online boot camp, detox or other event. During these immersive online events, you’ll attend zoom lectures, follow a special meal plan, and have access to a special, live Q&A session with Dr. Fuhrman. Learn more about events.
Spencer JP. Flavonoids and brain health: multiple effects underpinned by common mechanisms. Genes Nutr 2009, 4:243-250. doi: 10.1007/s12263-009-0136-3
Morris MC. Nutrition and risk of dementia: overview and methodological issues. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016, 1367:31-37. doi: 10.1111/nyas.13047
Grodzicki W, Dziendzikowska K. The Role of Selected Bioactive Compounds in the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020, 9. doi: 10.3390/antiox9030229
Flanagan E, Muller M, Hornberger M, Vauzour D. Impact of Flavonoids on Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Neurodegeneration. Curr Nutr Rep 2018, 7:49-57. doi: 10.1007/s13668-018-0226-1
Poulose SM, Miller MG, Shukitt-Hale B. Role of walnuts in maintaining brain health with age. J Nutr 2014, 144:561S-566S. doi: 10.3945/jn.113.184838
O'Brien J, Okereke O, Devore E, et al. Long-term intake of nuts in relation to cognitive function in older women. J Nutr Health Aging 2014, 18:496-502. doi: 10.1007/s12603-014-0014-6
Schlogl M, Holick MF. Vitamin D and neurocognitive function. Clin Interv Aging 2014, 9:559-568. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S51785
Moore E, Mander A, Ames D, et al. Cognitive impairment and vitamin B12: a review. Int Psychogeriatr 2012, 24:541-556. doi: 10.1017/S1041610211002511
Hosseini M, Poljak A, Braidy N, et al. Blood fatty acids in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Ageing Res Rev 2020, 60:101043. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101043
Cederholm T. Fish consumption and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for prevention or treatment of cognitive decline, dementia or Alzheimer's disease in older adults - any news? Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2017, 20:104-109. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000350
Zhang Y, Chen J, Qiu J, et al. Intakes of fish and polyunsaturated fatty acids and mild-to-severe cognitive impairment risks: a dose-response meta-analysis of 21 cohort studies. Am J Clin Nutr 2016, 103:330-340. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.124081
Lee MC, Byun K, Kim JS, et al. Trends in exercise neuroscience: raising demand for brain fitness. J Exerc Rehabil 2019, 15:176-179. doi: 10.12965/jer.1938046.023
Zhou XL, Wang LN, Wang J, et al. Effects of exercise interventions for specific cognitive domains in old adults with mild cognitive impairment: A meta-analysis and subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020, 99:e20105. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000020105
Jia RX, Liang JH, Xu Y, Wang YQ. Effects of physical activity and exercise on the cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer disease: a meta-analysis. BMC Geriatr 2019, 19:181. doi: 10.1186/s12877-019-1175-
The following are sample questions from the Ask the Doctor Community Platinum and higher members can post their health questions directly to Dr. Fuhrman. (All members can browse questions and answers.)
Does saffron help with Alzheimer’s disease?
Small studies suggest saffron may slow symptoms. Try 30 mg daily, but more research is needed.
Does Alzheimer’s have a nutritional component?
Absolutely. Processed foods, sugar, and animal products fuel plaque build-up and insulin resistance, both linked to Alzheimer’s. A Nutritarian diet helps reduce these risks.
Can menopause cause memory loss?
Yes, hormonal changes impact memory, but check your B12 and DHA levels. Exercise is also crucial for maintaining memory.
Should I worry about copper and Alzheimer’s disease?
Copper is an essential nutrient needed by the body. Like selenium and other nutrients, both too little and too much is harmful. Copper is essential, but excess from supplements or organ meats could be harmful. Plant foods contain safe, balanced amounts of copper.
