Health: Diet That Could Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- As you decide what to eat everyday, the choices you make can make a big difference for your brain.
Research has found that the new MIND diet shows significant evidence that it may protect your brain and keep your memory sharp.
Don Altemus has restocked his pantry and refrigerator with foods that could help protect his brain.
"I've got various seeds," said Don referring to the items in his kitchen. "Lots of greens."
Altemus, who lives in in West Chester, is on the MIND diet hoping to reduce his risk for Alzheimer's disease.
The disease, which is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior runs in his family
His father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in his early 50's.
"It is pretty scary, very, very emotional," says Altemus.
New research shows the MIND diet can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimers by as much as 54 percent.
"We found that the higher level of the MIND diet score was associated with slower rates of cognitive decline," said Dr. Martha Clare Morris of the Rush University Medical Center.
The diet was developed and tested by Morris at Rush University in Chicago.
"The MIND diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets with modifications that reflect the most compelling evidence from science and nutrition in dementia.
Essentials of the MIND diet include green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts and whole grains.
"Fruits and vegetables are in," says Morris. "Cheesesteaks are out."
Neurologist Carol Lippa with Drexel University School of Medicine says the antioxidants in foods on the MIND diet keep the brain from aging.
"Antioxidants basically make the brain cells, the neurons, the connecting pieces more robust," says Lippa.
"I think I have more energy on it," said Altemus.
After years of worrying, Altemus, who is 52-years-old the same age when his father was diagnosed, feels there's finally something he can do to hopefully avoid his family history.
"I think that's pretty incredible," he said. "I mean I read that 54 percent risk reduction, which is there's no medication out there that can do anything like that."
Some other items on the MIND diet are fish, chicken and no more than one glass of red wine a day.
The best results came with people who avoided things like butter, sugar and fast food.
And while it wasn't part of the diet, experts say regular exercise is always good for your brain.
More information from the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter: alz.org/delval
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