Alzheimer's Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

22. Can eating certain foods prevent Alzheimer's disease?

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Some recent studies suggest that how we eat may be linked to our risk of developing or not developing Alzheimer's disease. One observational study found that people who ate a "Mediterranean" diet had a reduced risk of Alzheimer's, but it is not clear if the diet itself reduced their risk. This style of eating includes lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, a fair amount of fish, some meat and poultry, small amounts of sugar and dairy products, plus olive oil and red wine. Scientists are also looking at the effect that DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid found in some fish, might have on people with Alzheimer's. (Answer continues on next page.)