A diet rich in vitamins and fish may protect the brain from ageing while junk food has the opposite effect, a research said. According to BBC, elderly people with high blood levels of vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids had less brain shrinkage and better mental performance, a neurology study found. Trans fats found in fast foods were linked to lower scores in tests and more shrinkage typical of Alzheimer’s.
The best advice is to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, not smoke, take regular exercise and keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check, said Alzheimer’s Research UK. Researchers stated that there is a clear need for conclusive evidence about the effect of diet on our risk of Alzheimer’s, which can only come from large-scale, long-term studies. The research looked at nutrients in blood, rather than relying on questionnaires to assess a person’s diet. Trans fats are common in processed foods, including cakes, biscuits and fried foods.
Study author Gene Bowman of Oregon Health and Science University said: “These results need to be confirmed, but obviously it is very exciting to think that people could potentially stop their brains from shrinking and keep them sharp by adjusting their diet.”