Dementia: Dr Sara on benefits of being in nature
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To delay the onset of dementia, it is important for healthy adults to take preventative actions. A new study has found five of the best foods which may counteract not only the development of dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, but also cognitive decline associated with ageing.
In a new study published in Science Advances, researchers analysed how food could have the potential to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The Japanese researchers found that a low protein diet can accelerate brain degeneration in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.
More importantly, they found that Amino LP7 – a supplement containing seven specific amino acids – can slow down brain degeneration and dementia development in these animals.
Amino acids are organic compounds that come together to form proteins in your body, said WebMD.
The health site added: “Amino acids are known as the building blocks of protein, which is an important component of every cell in your body.
“Most foods from animal protein sources will provide all the essential amino acids you need, and many plant-based protein foods can be excellent sources of amino acids as well.”
According to the site, five of the best foods with the highest amino acids score include:
- Quinoa
- Eggs
- Turkey
- Cottage cheese
- Mushrooms.
Dr Makoto Higuchi from the National Institutes for Quantum Sciences and Technology, one of the lead scientists on the study, explains: “In older individuals, low-protein diets are linked to poor maintenance of brain function.
“Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
“So, we wanted to understand whether supplementation with essential amino acids can protect the brains of older people from dementia, and if yes, what mechanisms would contribute to this protective effect.”
Early symptoms of dementia to spot include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
- Mood changes.
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