What we eat has a straight impact on our ability to remember and other cognitive capabilities; genes do avoiding developing dementia as we age.
High cholesterol diet and fat speed up the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in our brains. These proteins are blamed for much of the damage that occurs in the brain.
Even though there is not a clear connection between diets high in saturated fats and poor memory, this correlation may be due to a gene called apolipoprotein E, or APOE, which is associated with the amount of cholesterol in our blood. "About 65% of individuals who deal with dementia and Alzheimer's disease have this gene," says Dr. Gad Marshall from Harvard Medical School.
Some other ways to protect memory as we age
Diet isn't the only way to preserve a good memory, there are other ways which would help us to keep a sharp brain sharp as we get older:
- Control cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels with diet and exercise.
- Give up smoking; smoking increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease.
- Get outside for a walk. Exercising two or more times a week has been related to a lower risk for dementia.
We all should work with our doctor to keep our weight in a healthy range.
Foods for memory
Mono and polyunsaturated fats are good ingredients to preserve memory; the Mediterranean diet:
The Mediterranean diet includes several components that might help us to keep a healthy brain:
- Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil.
- Fish which are high in omega-3.
- Moderate alcohol consumption.
