dementia

Four million Americans are stricken with Alzheimer’s disease, the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. While homeopathy has been shown to be ineffective in the treatment of dementia, the theory of mitochondrial aging may provide some insight into its prevention. Possible contributing dietary factors include advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), steroid hormones in dairy (see videos here, here), blue-green algae supplements, spirulina, copper in meat, dark fish (such as salmon), and aluminum in cheese. On the other hand, coffee, tofu and other soy foods, vitamin D and B12 supplements, apples (see also here), and aspirin naturally found in plant foods may play a role in preventing dementia. Phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables, varied into a cognitive portfolio, may also play role in delaying the onset of dementia. In terms of treating Alzheimer’s, the spice saffron appears to work better than a placebo and just as effectively as Aricept – a leading pharmaceutical drug. Exercise (see videos here, here) may even help reverse mild cognitive decline.

Dr. Greger covers dementia 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.

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