Vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids appear to prevent Alzheimer’s-related brain atrophy, reports the journal Neurology.
104 people with an average age of 87 years participated in the study by the team of Gene Bowman at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. The level of nutrients in their bodies was determined on the basis of blood tests, and memory and thinking skills were tested with tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests performed in 42 people allowed to assess the volume of the brain.
Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D are contained mainly in fish, while vitamins C, E and B vitamins – in vegetables and fruits. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 25 percent. respondents, and vitamin B12 – in 7 percent.
People whose diets abounded in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins B, C, D and E not only had larger brains, but also fell better in memory and mental performance tests compared to patients on a diet low in vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids.
On the other hand, a diet rich in trans isomers (of which large amounts are contained, for example, in margarine, shortening and confectionery, fast food, frozen foods) had the opposite effect – the brain shrank, and the results of memory and mental performance tests were worse than when eating small amounts of food. amounts of trans isomers.
This is the first study of its kind, combined with blood analysis for the content of many nutrients (previously only one or several of them were checked) – therefore their results should still be confirmed by other studies. Survey-based studies do not reflect the nutritional status of the body as well as blood analysis. Elderly people in particular may have trouble remembering what they have eaten recently – or absorbing nutrients from the digestive tract.