Diet and lifestyle impact the development and progression of Alzheimer’s dementia

Abstract

Dementia is a growing public health concern, with an estimated prevalence of 57 million adults worldwide. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for 60–80% of the cases. Clinical trials testing potential drugs and neuroprotective agents have proven futile, and currently approved drugs only provide symptomatic benefits. Emerging epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity, offer an alternative therapeutic route for slowing and preventing cognitive decline and dementia. Age is the single most common risk factor for dementia, and it is associated with slowing cellular bioenergetics and metabolic processes. Therefore, a nutrient-rich diet is critical for optimal brain health. Furthermore, type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a risk factor for AD, and diets that reduce the risk of T2D may confer neuroprotection. Foods predominant in Mediterranean, MIND, and DASH diets, including fruits, leafy green vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil, may prevent or slow cognitive decline. The mechanisms by which these nutrients promote brain health, however, are not yet completely understood. Other dietary approaches and eating regimes, including ketogenic and intermittent fasting, are also emerging as beneficial for brain health. This review summarizes the pathophysiology, associated risk factors, and the potential neuroprotective pathways activated by several diets and eating regimes that have shown promising results in promoting brain health and preventing dementia.

New Value of Acorus tatarinowii/gramineus Leaves as a Dietary Source for Dementia Prevention

“…It has been suggested that certain diets are effective in preventing dementia. For example, the Mediterranean diet, which is comprised primarily of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, unrefined grains, fish, and olive oil, has been shown to lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia thanks to its neuroprotective ingredients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants [ 36 , 37 , 38 ]. However, it is not easy for ordinary people to adhere to the Mediterranean diet in their daily meals.…”

The Interplay of Sports and Nutrition in Neurological Health and Recovery

“…Consequently, a balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet could mitigate the risk of type II diabetes and confer neuroprotection. However, the mechanisms underlying these diet-associated neuroprotective effects remain unclear [59].…”

Nutrition, Exercise, and Cognitive Rehabilitation for Dementia Prevention

“…In recent years, the Mediterranean diet has been attracting attention as a good dietary practice for dementia prevention 52,[58][59][60][61][62] . The Mediterranean diet is a dietary habit of Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Spain, and Greece, characterized by abundant use of fresh fruits and vegetables, more fish than dairy products and meat, olive oil, nuts, legumes, and often unrefined grains such as whole grains.…”