Introduction In our world today, dementia is a rising problem in the elderly population. This study aims to find if the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) lowers the risk of developing degenerative diseases such as dementia, or if it prevents cognitive decline. There have been many previous cohort studies that have researched the correlation between the MeDi and chronic diseases. However; research determining how exactly nutrients consumed with the MeDi affect cognition and the possible development of dementia has yet to be completed. This study intends to specifically look at how five individual cognitive functions and dementia are impacted as one ages, by varying levels of adherence to the MeDi. The researchers recorded the subjects’ intake of the MeDi based on a priori; which is a questionnaire that lets the researchers know the subjects’ eating habits and exactly what food groups and macronutrients they are consuming to accurately find the affects they yield in the brain. Clinical neuropsychologists evaluated each participant for thorough cognitive results, to gain the most in-depth conclusions possible Subjects The subjects for this study were adults of 64 years of age and over, from a previous study called the Hellenic Longitudinal Investigation of Ageing and Diet (HELIAD). All …show more content…
This causes me to consider what I am putting into my body today, and how it will affect my cognitive abilities in my old age. I want to have a healthy mind no matter what age I am, and implementing this diet would possibly be beneficial in my life. Also, my grandma has multiple sclerosis and over time I know that that can negatively affect the brain by degenerating nerve fibers and myelin. This is something she should consider applying to her diet in order to effectively combat the negative cognitive effects of MS. It may just help her to live a happier more independent life and age more
Based on a 24 Hour Recall of my diet, results using NutriCalc Plus report that my food intake lacked a healthy balance of all food groups. My Grain intake reached only 60% of the My Plate daily recommendations. My Vegetable intake was a mere 50% of the recommended servings. Additionally, I consumed 84% of the daily recommendations for the Dairy Group. Nonetheless, I did exceed the recommendations for the Fruit Group and Protein Group with intakes of 155% and 107%, respectively.
Poor diet, like meat and potatoes, can alter the brain and create an imbalance on a well-functioning brain. According to Gomez-Pinilla (2008), there is an influence on specific nutrients that act on cellular processes that are important for maintaining cognitive function. Richard must implement a course of action and manage his life better. Although Richard is unable to go back to being free of his chronic illness, he is able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prolong his life by creating awareness for his current issue and applying self-control to maintain a healthier lifestyle. He also has good family support that can help him to maintain
It is a known fact that other countries eat healthier than here in the United States. For example, the Mediterranean diet contains many fruits and vegetables. It also replaces fattening oils with olive oil. In the article “Mediterranean Diet Shown to Ward Off Heart Attack and Stroke”, Gina Kolata states, “About 30 percent of heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease can be prevented in people at high risk if they switch to a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, nuts, beans, fish, fruits and vegetables, and even drink wine with meals, a large and rigorous new study has found” (nytimes.com). Many people who have gone on the Mediterranean diet have decreased their risk.
- Describe how cognitive functional and emotional changes associated with dementia can affect eating drinking and nutrition:
As aging is becoming a worldwide phenomenon, polyphenols have gained interest as potentially modifiable protective factors against neural diseases, such as dementia. The risk factors of cognitive function decline are not comprehensive, while the mechanisms may involve oxidative stress and inflammation. Epidemiological evidence shows that food contained flavonoid, which antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is associated with a lower risk of neurodegenerative disorders and better cognitive evolution of the performance in the elderly(60). Although animal models are more properly used to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of the neuroprotective effects of Vaccinium berries, there
There is more evidence that suggests the condition of your heart has an effect on the condition of your brain, so people who suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol and diabetes are at higher risk of developing dementia. It is suggested that to help reduce the risk of developing dementia it may help to try and stay healthy by eating a well-balanced
In life, many people participate in various daily events and activities that help them enjoy being who they are. People may enjoy getting together with friends, going to the mall, going to an amusement park or simply finding relaxation in nature. However, a big part of everyone’s life is of course eating and many people find pleasure in doing so. Eating is a very enjoyable and delectable must for everyone but should be done so, like everything in life, in a smart and intelligent way. Being smart and perceptive when eating is a large part of nutrition.
No one wants to lose their mind. But the reality is that the risk of dementia doubles every five years after the age of sixty-five. Is there anything that can be done to prevent this age-related loss of brain function? Are There Ways to Reduce Dementia Through Lifestyle Changes? European researchers analyzed 1,433 people over the age of 65 to determine what lifestyle factors would reduce the risk of dementia the most. After getting a complete medical history on the participants, they tested their cognitive function at intervals over a seven year period. What did they find? According to this research, the two best ways to reduce the risk of dementia is to eliminate diabetes and depression - both of which are dementia risk factors. If both of these factors were eliminated and more people were encouraged to eat fruits and vegetables, the number of new cases of dementia would drop by 21%. There 's some controversy as to whether depression actually increases the risk of dementia - or whether it 's simply an early sign of the disease. This study suggests that depression probably does increase the risk of the disease - and isn 't just a symptom. It 's not surprising that diabetes is a risk factor since it 's associated with insulin resistance. Some studies show insulin resistance increases the risk of dementia. Another way to reduce dementia risk is to encourage people to be literate and educated. This study showed that the number of new cases of dementia would drop by 18% if
Alzheimer’s Disease has been one of the top leading causes of death in our country. It is understood that this disease is identified as an excess of the protein amyloid-ß within an increase of plaque (Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, 2010). Additionally, as the brain ages, it gets used to the inflammation and oxidative stress, so it is important to take the right amount of antioxidant micronutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E as well as anti-inflammatory macronutrients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to protect the brain from ageing (Whalley et. al, 2004). This is a devastating disease that affects most people over the age of fifty. Recently, there have been many studies done to figure out what causes this disease, if there is anything that can cure it, and how to prevent the disease. Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, believe Alzheimer’s develops with consuming too many carbohydrates, especially fructose and having a deficiency in cholesterol and dietary fats as well (2010). Whalley, Starr, and Deary have seen that poor diet, poverty, and failing health are links to developing Alzheimer’s Disease (2004). Furthermore, seeing increase in plasma homocysteine concentration increases risk of Dementia, which can result from an inadequate intake of vitamin B12/folate (Walley et. al, 2004). Additionally, Gray supports Walley’s findings and even believes having an adequate intake of vitamin B12/folate will have a positive effect on the overall health
Despite the number of lives Alzheimer’s disease has affected, it cannot be cured. An estimated five million Americans are affected by this disease (“Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet”); treatment trials are being conducted in addition to extensive research to learn more about lifestyle choices to support brain health. As a result, researchers are beginning to find ways to prevent this disease. Lifestyle choices including physical activity, social engagement, obtaining a healthy diet, and receiving a good night’s sleep may help counteract Alzheimer’s disease and support brain health. Although an innumerable amount of people across the United States are affected by Alzheimer's disease, it can be prevented.
If you’ve ever talked to somebody after they 've traveled to a country such as Italy or Greece, they probably mentioned how delicious the food was. Food is one of the more common affiliations with countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea; and understandably so. The food this region produces is so notable that there is a diet based off it, companied with endless research elaborating the health benefits it accommodates. Fittingly named The Mediterranean Diet, this compilation of foods including fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, high fiber breads, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and red wine are targeted to help prevent a number of diseases as well as promote health in different sectors of the body. This essay will touch upon each component, benefit, and precaution of the Mediterranean diet, in depth, all with a main focus on the nutritional factors.
There are hundreds of diseases or mental health problems that attack silently. Many people don’t find out that they are suffering from an illness until it’s almost too late. There’s no question, technology is advancing rapidly but there are still many health problems that are incurable. Learning to eat healthier can lower the risk of suffering many of the existing diseases. Making healthier choices will not only benefit the person physically, the change will possibly boost their spiritual or emotional life. One has the choice to choose what is believed to be the best pathway. There are small and easy steps that can be done to improve one's health. If one drinks alcohol than the first step to a better life is by eliminating that drink from the daily diet. Nutrition is more important than what every person thinks. Improper nutrition can cause not only depression but also dementia. The most common dementia is know as alzheimer's disease. The population tends to relate Alzheimer’s disease with the aging of a person.The truth is that nutrition is the main contributor of this mental health problem not the aging of a person. At the end, people can drastically improve their mental health, cognitive skills, and daily behavior with just a better diet. The human brain is the center of control for the whole body. If the brain is not cared properly than the body and mind will start to malfunction. Something to keep in mind is that, “Eating…. will impact every single one of the 75-100 trillion cells in your body” (Leaf
The Mediterranean diet (MeDi) has been researched for the potential to reduce cognitive decline and dementia (Samieri, Okereke, Devore, & Grodstein, 2013). Long-term MeDi adherence was examined with 16,058 women to see if there was a link between MeDi and cognitive decline. Cognitive assessments were completed every 2 years using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and phone calls to test cognition in participating subjects (90% turnout rate). The phone tests consisted of, Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), immediate and delayed recall of the East Boston Memory test (EBMT), delayed recall of the TICS 10 word list, category fluency, and digit span-backward (Samieri, Okereke, Devore, & Grodstein, 2013). These tests were
The Mediterranean diet receives so much attention because it is valued for its contribution to a healthy cardiovascular system. Studies have indicated that adherence to such a diet is a significant protective factor against the development of chronic diseases, specifically cardiovascular diseases, degenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease), and cancer (Sofi, Cesari, Abbate, Gensini, & Casini 337).
UK have a 1 in 3 chance of developing cancer at some time in their