In
2014, researchers from the Global Observatory for Ageing and Dementia Care at
King’s College London investigated the relationship between dementia and
nutrition. The report, published by Alzheimer’s Disease International, touched
on many links between nutrition and dementia, as summarized below.
First,
a connection was found between nutrition, fetal development, and dementia, as the
micronutrients and fats accumulated as a fetus can affect the development of
the brain and nervous system. In turn, this may affect one’s risk of developing
dementia in the future.
In
addition, researchers investigated the relationship between dementia and fats.
While fats may be harmful for the brain if consumed in excess at mid-life, they
can also act as an energy reserve to combat the neurodegenerative effects of
dementia. However, further research is needed to explore the relationship
between fats and cognitive function.
The
report also explained that a Mediterranean diet may be key to preventing
dementia. The Mediterranean diet, which consists of lots of vegetables, olive
oil and fish, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. As a result, this may
potentially reduce the risk of dementia. There are many studies reporting a
positive correlation between a Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of dementia;
however, some studies have found no correlation at all.
Aside
from nutrition and dementia prevention, there is also a link between malnutrition
and patients with dementia. Weight loss is very commonly observed in dementia
patients due to lower nutritional intake. It was found that dementia-related
neurodegeneration may impact brain regions responsible for appetite control,
thus contributing to the observed weight loss. The reason why malnutrition is a
notable symptom of dementia is because in many cases, it proves to be fatal. This
study suggests that eating habits of dementia patients can be improved through:
caregiver education about the importance of nutrition, giving patients oral
nutritional supplements, using feeding assistance tubes, and more.
For
more information on this report, visit http://www.alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/files/national/breaking-news/adi-nutrition-and-dementia.pdf
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