Hope For The Prevention Of Senile Dementia And Alzheimers

by Robert William Locke

Mental diseases like Alzheimers and senile mental conditions have been the subject of much research recently. The latest study shows if that elderly people consume omega-3 foods, their chances of developing these diseases are considerably less. Another report recently found that carrots and other beta-carotene foods could also reduce the possibility of contracting these diseases.

The report details a study carried out on 8,000 men and women in France,all aged over 65. They found that those who had eaten Omega-6 foods such as sunflower oil and other oils had a much higher incidence of Alzheimers and other diseases. The study was published by the American Academy of Neurology.

Omega-6 fats are essential for a healthy diet . The problem is that very often the ratio of Omega-6 foods is far too high in relation to the healthier Omega-3 fats. We need to reverse the trend especially in Western societies such as America and Israel where the consumption of Omega -3 fats is far too low.

Oily fish such as tuna, mackerel and salmon are rich in Omega-3 and should be included in our diet. The American Dietetic Association states that we should eat at least two servings (4 ozs) a week. The other Omega -3 foods are walnuts, flaxseed and cod-liver oil.

The Omega-6 foods which do not enjoy a good press should be consumed in lesser quantities.We need to invert the trend and eat less of Omega-6 foods which are sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, egg yolks, red meat and margarine. It may be time to change your salad dressing if it contains some of these oils.

In another study recently, apparently the maternal link in Alzheimers disease is significant. Nobody knows yet why this should be so but those people whose mothers are or have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimers have a greater chance of developing the illness. There is no greater risk for those whose fathers have been diagnosed with the disease.

A vaccine has been developed for Alzheimers disease but it is still in the very early stages although the results seem to be promising. If successful, it will slow down or prevent the disease. However human testing will not take place until three years time. The idea behind the vaccine is to stimulate our immune system so that it can fight dementia in the brain.

Which diet has the correct balance between Omega -3 and Omega -6 foods ? It is the Mediterranean Diet which has been studied the world over as an ideal healthy diet. you will find lots of whole grains, fish, olive oil, garlic and tons of fruit and vegetables. Meat is consumed in small quantities. This could be the way forward in defeating debilitating mental diseases in old age.

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