What dietary changes prevent Alzheimer's?
Sources:
The dietary changes that have been discussed on the Huberman Lab for preventing Alzheimer's include the following:
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General Healthy Eating: The general principles of maintaining brain health involve avoiding certain foods that can detrimentally affect brain function while emphasizing others that enhance it. Specifically, regular consumption of antioxidants and certain nutrients that support brain function is recommended, alongside a holistic approach that includes quality sleep, social connections, and physical and mental health management 1.
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Ketogenic Diet: The ketogenic diet has been highlighted for its potential benefits in Alzheimer's prevention. It reduces biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's in animal models and has shown improvements in cognitive functions and daily living activities in pilot clinical trials. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet prompts the body to use fats rather than carbohydrates as its main energy source, which has been shown to improve metabolic functions in the brain 2 3.
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Specific Foods:
- Blueberries: Consumption of blueberries has been linked to enhanced cognitive effects due to their high contents of anthocyanins. Studies suggest that regular intake of blueberries can contribute to the prevention of cognitive decline related to Alzheimer's 4.
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Social Engagement and Activities: While not a dietary change, enhancing social interaction and engaging in activities like watching family videos or listening to familiar music have been discussed as beneficial for managing Alzheimer's symptoms 5.
These dietary interventions should be considered alongside other lifestyle factors like regular exercise and sleep quality, as they collectively contribute to better brain health and potential prevention of Alzheimer's. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, especially if considering something specialized like a ketogenic diet.
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