When people think of Alzheimer's disease, they often associate it with loss of memory or the inability to live independently. It's easy to forget that Alzheimer's also is the fifth-leading cause of disease- related death in the United States. Currently, 6.2 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease. In fact, someone is newly diagnosed nearly every 64 seconds -and it’s getting worse. But it's not just about genetics. Read on to learn what we know about memory loss and how we can reduce risk of it.

Genetic-Related Cognitive Decline Can be Cut In Half!

There is a false belief out there that cognitive impairment and memory problems are a normal part of aging. They are not. Typically, as we age, we ail lose some of our mental sharpness, this is true… but the natural decline is very minimal. As this cognitive impairment worsens, it can become Alzheimer's. While several genes can increase Alzheimer's risk, adopting habits that reduce cardiovascular risk can affect whether these genes become activated.

In fact. newer research suggests that prevention is the new treatment. And I’m not talking brain puzzles! In 2019, the big news was that lifestyle factors are the best -and only-bet for reducing Alzheimer's risk at this time. Before 2019, we seemed to think that only medications could slow cognitive decline. And we may have been swayed by those little brain-teaser puzzles.

Research is clear that people who have genetic risk of Alzheimer's have a much higher chance of getting it if they also have unhealthy lifestyle habits. But having a healthful lifestyle potentially can cut that risk in half. Nutrition is part of the solution. Make way for the MIND diet.

The MIND Diet: A Diet for Brain Health

Eating to prevent Alzheimer's disease and other has had some pretty amazing new research to support such a natural method. . Most research has focused the most potential cognitive benefits when the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and the Mediterranean diet are combined.

But while there are great pieces of both of these diets, some of the most recent evidence that we see for brain health, also suggests things that aren't in either of those diets. In fact, one one large study, people with diets most closely resembling the MIND diet had cognitive functioning equivalent to someone 7.5 years younger!

What the DASH and Mediterranean and MIND diets all have in common is that they're all plant-based. Not exclusively vegetarian, but still mostly plants. And it makes sense why!

All the changes that occur in the brain leading to functional cognitive decline-- inflammation or oxidation, or abnormalities in glucose metabolism or fat metabolism-- can all be fought with plants. When you look at the MIND diet, the elements that stand out are greens, beans, berries, nuts, and seeds--mostly plant-based. To read more about the key features of the MIND diet, and how to follow it, check out some of our other articles!

Takeaways

Remember that your genetics are a risk factor, but they aren't your destiny when it comes to dementia! Eat healthfully. A healthy diet is the real golden ticket to longevity, here. Talk to your care team about the MIND diet and ways you can incorporate it.