By Kristen Hicks-Roof PhD, RDN
mail@floridanewsline.com
This month, World Alzheimer’s Day will be recognized on Sept. 21.There is a lot of recent and emerging research on the food-brain connection and the importance of food on the aging brain’s ability to function, remember and think. This topic is so important to the state of Florida that Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed a University of North Florida Department of Nutrition faculty member, Dr. Corinne Labyak, to the Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee.
Much of the research is showing that there are dietary patterns that can show promising results and others report that there are specific nutrients that contribute to brain health. I’m going to break down some of the latest research:
Dietary Patterns:
- DASH Diet/Mediterranean Diet/MIND: Each of these dietary patterns help to support lowering blood pressure. These dietary patterns emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seafood, and unsaturated fats. It is recommended to limit foods with high saturated fat and cholesterol (including butter, shortening, lard, and fatty cuts of meat). Want to learn more? Connect with a Registered Dietitian to talk about your dietary patterns and ways to improve. (Find one at www.eatright.org/find-a-nutrition-expert)
Specific Nutrients/Individual Foods:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (particularly DHA): Studies have shown that supplementation (approximately 2 grams) can help improve learning and memory, and others to help slow cognitive decline.
- Vitamin D supplementation: Studies have shown that daily supplementation (approximately 800 IU) can help improve cognitive function. Additionally, Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.
While there is still a lot to learn about the food-brain connection, it is important to take care of your health and improve your dietary patterns to support optimal brain health during aging periods.
Learn more and find references at:
- National Institute on Aging (www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-do-we-know-about-diet-and-prevention-alzheimers-disease)
- Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/food-eating)
- USDA Dementia and Alzheimer’s (www.nutrition.gov/topics/diet-and-health-conditions/dementia-and-alzheimers)
Kristen Hicks-Roof PhD, RDN, LDN, CLC, FAND is an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida.
