Warding Off Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease commonly seen in the elderly. Being neurodegenerative, it simply means that neurons making up the brain deteriorate and die. This process of degeneration may initially lead to memory loss or forgetfulness, and eventually may even hinder simple tasks like urination and walking.

Alzheimer's disease is an incurable disease and treatments are merely palliative or are only used to slow its progress. Patients eventually die in a matter of years, depending on the intervention used to slow it.

The surge in the number of Alzheimer's cases has sparked much research effort on the causes of this disease, and hopefully, ways to prevent it.

Two studies have focused on the prevention of the disease and offered a whole new definition to the term brain food. Research from Chicago scientists have stated that a diet that is rich in vitamin E, which is usually found in nuts, grains, and egg yolks, can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

A Dutch study, on the other hand, adds to this by proposing that a diet rich in vitamin C, which is commonly found in many citrus fruits and vegetables, could also be neuroprotective, or can defend brain cells from damage. In both of these studies, researchers found that vitamin supplements did not provide the same benefit as with eating real food.

In these studies, the lesson is simple enough. A healthy and sensible diet could help one lead a better life that is relatively free from Alzheimer's disease or any illness for that matter. It is important to inculcate sensible eating habits while young; and as one gets older, his or her diet must remain healthy. While it is not conclusive that a predisposition for the disease could be overcome by merely making changes in one's diet, it is good enough reason to start eating healthily to tip the scales into one's favor.

So, to ensure a healthy lifestyle and bright future ahead, make sure you watch what you eat. It is best to consume a well balanced diet everyday and to stay away from junk foods that may only harm the body in the end.

True, prevention is always better than cure. And for diseases without any known cure, such as the Alzheimer's disease, prevention is our only option!

Sources:
"Diet 'Could Reduce Alzheimer's Risk'", BBC News
"Diet Rich in Foods with Vitamin E May Reduce Alzheimer's Disease Risk" National Institutes of Health