What are the dietary recommendations for someone with Alzheimer's disease?

There is evidence to show that diet has a big impact on brain health and Alzheimer's prevention and treatment. Neurologist Richard Isaacson, MD, shares the best types of foods to eat to improve cognition and foster a healthy brain.

Transcript

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Other things like omega-3 fatty acids. There's good ones that are brain protective and other ones that may not help as much.

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There has literally been an explosion of evidence when it comes to dietary interventions for brain health and Alzheimer's prevention,

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as well as treatment. When it comes to diet, there are so many things that can be done. There's carbohydrates-- good carbohydrates

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versus bad carbohydrates. Know the difference. Just like bad and good carbs, there's good and bad fats-- healthy fats and unhealthy fats.

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Also, there's different styles of eating or something called dietary patterns. The Mediterranean style of diet is a really super brain-healthy way to eat overall.

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Also, there's different single and multiple nutrients that a person can ingest. So for example, B-complex vitamins.

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Dark cocoa powder has very strong cocoa flavanols that are very powerful to protect the brain. Other things like omega-3 fatty acids.

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There's good ones that are brain protective and other ones that may not help as much. So that's a general overview. When it comes to the best foods that a person can eat,

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well, fatty fish-- lake trout, mackerel, herring, albacore tuna, sardines, wild salmon. Several times a week is key.

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Also, good carbs versus bad carbs. Staying away from processed foods, too much sugar, high fructose corn syrup.

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Minimize that if at all possible. And then, of course, brain-healthy foods. Green leafy vegetables, you almost can't get enough. And of course, berries.

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Blueberries and strawberries. A half a cup at least two to three times a week has been shown to actually delay cognitive decline.