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Nutrition and Nutritional Supplements to Promote Brain Health

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Enhancing Cognitive Fitness in Adults

Abstract

New scientific evidence strongly suggests that a variety of nutritional strategies can promote brain health and slow the course of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Improving nutrition is, thus, a critical component of any comprehensive strategy to slow the course of ADRD. This chapter presents recommendations designed to meet this objective. Specific goals are to consume a balanced diet with particular focus on increasing consumption of brain power foods. Examples of brain power foods include oily fish (to be consumed at least twice a week), berries (especially blueberries), green leafy vegetables, legumes, and turmeric. In addition, some nutritional supplements (especially vitamin D and vitamin B12) are also necessary to promote brain health. Multinutritional intervention, targeting multiple aspects of processes causing ADRD, instituted as early as possible is likely to have the greatest beneficial effect. Staying physically and mentally active and maintaining a healthy weight can greatly enhance the beneficial effects of nutritional interventions on brain health.

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Correspondence to Abhilash K. Desai M.D. .

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Desai, A.K., Desai, A.K., Rush, J., Naveen, L., Thaipisuttikul, P. (2011). Nutrition and Nutritional Supplements to Promote Brain Health. In: Hartman-Stein, P., LaRue, A. (eds) Enhancing Cognitive Fitness in Adults. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0636-6_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0636-6_16

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