There is yet more evidence that eating more healthily can dramatically enhance cognition.
Research based on researchers’ observations of 192 Alzheimer's sufferers over a four and a half years and published in the journal Neurology shows that eating a Mediterranean diet could allow sufferers of Alzheimer's disease to live longer than patients who eat a more traditional Western diet.
During the study period researchers found that those subjects that stuck to the Mediterranean diet most closely were over 75% less likely to die than those that followed the diet the least.
According to the study’s author Nikos Scarmeas of Columbia University Medical Centre in New York “Alzheimer's patients who adhered to the diet to a moderate degree lived an average 1.3 years longer than those people who least adhered to the diet. And those Alzheimer's patients who followed the diet very religiously lived an average four years longer."
Previous research by the same author has also shown that greater adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet could cut the risk of healthy people developing Alzheimer's disease by 68 percent.
I mention in my book The Alzheimer's Alternative how the Mediterranean diet is rich in cereals, wine, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains, fish and olive oil – providing an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, tocopherols, polyphenols and essential minerals all of which offer protection against Alzheimer’s.
The Mediterranean diet has also been linked to longer life, less heart disease, and protection against some cancers and the tide of scientific literature to back-up its healthfulness has started to trickle into the mainstream consciousness.
More research will need to be done to find out exactly which parts of the Mediterranean diet offer the most benefits but if it really can help Alzheimer's patients have slower rates of cognitive decline, maintain their daily living skills, and have a better quality of life then I would suggest that there is little point in waiting and would recommend you start on it right away.
For those who really want to make dramatic strides in safeguarding their mental faculties watch out for my future articles where I will go into greater depth on the above whilst also giving you new ideas to think about. You can also learn much more about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in my new book, The Alzheimer’s Alternative available from www.alzheimersalternative.com.
Dr. Steffan H. Abel D.C. has been involved in Chiropractic and healthcare research for over 20 years. He has run his own successful practice in the north of England for the last 19 years. During which time he has treated over 10,000 patients and given over 100,000 treatments. He has lectured and taught extensively in both Europe and America to students, chiropractors and medical doctors.
He has studied Hypnotherapy, N.L.P. and qualified as a Life Coach. He has also studied various Chiropractic-based treatments (gaining a M.Sc. in post graduate Clinical Chiropractic in 2003) as well as energy therapies such as Seichem and Reiki. In 2001 he became a Fellow of the College of Chiropractors and a Fellow of the Association of Osteomyology and in 2007 became a Fellow of the European Academy of Chiropractic.
In his spare time he spends between 15 and 25 hours per week researching all areas of “alternative” and allopathic healthcare in order to bring the best advice to his patients through his practice and writing. When not working he is to be found enjoying life with Sue, his partner, – whom he loves tremendously!
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