Alzheimer’s disease
Practically non-existent a century ago, Alzheimer’s disease is now the #6 killer in the U.S. Some dietary components that may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction include hormones and steroids in dairy, blue-green algae supplements, spirulina, copper (in meat), aluminum (in cheese), and iron (in supplements). However, studies on saffron (see also here), coffee, ginger and apple juice (see also here), vitamins D and B-12, and fruits and vegetables with their component phytonutrients have shown some potential for preventing or slowing down the disease. Exercise has even been shown to reverse mild cognitive decline. Plant-based diets in general may slow aging.
Dr. Greger covers Alzheimer’s disease in his full-length presentation, Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death, where he explores the role diet may play in preventing, treating, and even reversing our top 15 killers.
See also the related blog post: Alzheimer’s Disease: Up to half of cases potentially preventable
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Watch videos about Alzheimer’s disease
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Does Coconut Oil Clog Arteries?Sellers of coconut oil use a beef industry tactic to downplay the risks associated with the saturated fat in their products.
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Does Coconut Oil Cure Alzheimer’s?Though there have been more than a thousand papers published on coconut oil in medical journals, there is little evidence it helps with Alzheimer's disease.
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Risk Associated With Iron SupplementsIron is a double-edged sword. If we don't absorb enough, we risk anemia, but if absorb too much we may increase our risk of cancer, heart disease, and a number of inflammatory conditions. Because the..
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Uprooting the Leading Causes of DeathDeath in America is largely a foodborne illness. Focusing on studies published just over the last year in peer-reviewed scientific medical journals, Dr. Greger offers practical advice on how best to..
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Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Purple PotatoesAntioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties of white compared to yellow and purple potatoes. Purple potatoes may also help lower high blood pressure.
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Alzheimer’s and Apple JuicePilot study published on whether apple juice could affect the cognitive performance, day-to-day functioning, mood, or behavior of Alzheimer's patients.
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Constructing a Cognitive PortfolioDifferent fruits and vegetables appear to support different cognitive domains of the brain, so both variety and quantity are important.
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Phytochemicals: The Nutrition Facts Missing From the LabelThere are thousands of flavonoid phytonutrients in fruits, vegetables, and other whole plant foods missing from the nutrition labels that may play a role in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
