#512: Alzheimer’s Disease – Drs. Ayesha & Dean Sherzai
Feb 13, 2024
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Experts discuss Alzheimer's disease, lifestyle factors, and prevention strategies. Topics include genetics vs. lifestyle impact, dietary patterns, cognitive resilience, and promoting brain health through nutrition and habits.
Adopting a Mediterranean diet or Mind Diet can lower Alzheimer's risk by focusing on whole foods and nutrients.
Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants from blueberries, and polyphenols in nuts are beneficial for cognitive health.
A comprehensive dietary approach addressing cardiovascular health can reduce Alzheimer's risk by improving overall well-being.
Deep dives
Dietary Patterns and Alzheimer's Risk
A key finding in the research on nutrition and Alzheimer's disease is the importance of dietary patterns. Observational studies have shown that adhering to a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, is associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Another dietary pattern called the Mind Diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean diet and the dash diet, has also been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by 53% in those who closely followed it. The Mind Diet includes foods rich in polyphenols, anti-inflammatory properties, and low in saturated fats. These dietary patterns likely improve glucose metabolism, cholesterol levels, vascular health, and reduce inflammation, which are all important factors in preventing Alzheimer's disease.
Specific Foods and Nutrients
While dietary patterns are key, certain foods and nutrients have also shown potential benefits for brain health. Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, found in fatty fish, play a vital role in brain health. Antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and those high in polyphenols have also been linked to better cognitive outcomes. Additionally, nuts, specifically walnuts, have shown promise in improving cognitive health. However, it's important to note that the overall dietary pattern is more critical than individual foods, as the synergy of nutrients and compounds in a varied diet is what likely provides the greatest benefit.
Importance of Dietary Approach and Overall Health
When it comes to preventing Alzheimer's disease, the focus should be on a comprehensive dietary approach that addresses multiple risk factors. The dietary patterns that have been researched for their impact on brain health, such as the Mediterranean diet and the Mind diet, also contribute to better cardiovascular health. This connection is crucial because factors like inflammation, glucose dysregulation, and lipid dysregulation not only affect brain health but also increase the risk of other chronic diseases. By adopting a diet that promotes cardiovascular health and overall well-being, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of Alzheimer's disease and improve their cognitive and overall health.
Current treatment options have been limited in the field of neurodegenerative diseases
In the field of neurodegenerative diseases, current treatment options have been limited and often focused on targeting amyloid protein and tau. However, these efforts have not yielded significant progress in finding a cure or stopping the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Lifestyle interventions and preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer's
Implementing lifestyle interventions such as exercise, purpose-driven activities, and dietary changes can have a profound impact on reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Exercise has been shown to benefit cognitive function, blood flow, neurogenesis, and overall brain health. Engaging in purpose-driven activities that challenge the brain and continuously learning new things can also build cognitive resilience and reserve. Dietary patterns that focus on reducing saturated fat and increasing plant-based foods, while addressing other factors such as LDL cholesterol levels and vitamin deficiencies, can further support brain health. These preventive measures are particularly crucial during midlife and can significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer’s disease has a profound impact on individuals, families, and societies worldwide. As a progressive neurodegenerative disease, it not only robs individuals of their cognitive abilities but also places an immense emotional and economic burden on caregivers.
Mechanistically, the causes of Alzheimer’s are incredibly complex and not fully understood. And in terms of treatment, the landscape appears challenging. Drug discovery efforts for dementias, including Alzheimer’s, have faced setbacks, leaving a void in effective treatments. Consequently, attention has shifted toward preventive strategies, including dietary patterns.
From a prevention standpoint, both genetics and lifestyle should be considered. Which throws up many interesting questions…
To what extent do genetic factors contribute to Alzheimer’s risk compared to lifestyle choices, and how does this interaction influence disease development?
What role does lifestyle play in Alzheimer’s risk, and is there evidence supporting the influence of specific nutrients on cognitive health?
How do diet patterns impact Alzheimer’s risk? Are there discernible risk differences associated with specific dietary choices, and how do these interact with genetic factors, such as the ApoE genotype?
In this episode, Drs. Ayesha Sherzai and Dean Sherzai are on the podcast to answer these questions and discuss this topic in more depth.
About The Guests:
Dr. Ayesha Sherzai is a neurologist and co-director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University, where she leads the Lifestyle Program for the Prevention of Neurological Diseases. She completed a dual training in Preventative Medicine and Neurology at Loma Linda University, and a fellowship in Vascular Neurology and Epidemiology at Columbia University. She is also a trained plant-based culinary artist.
Dr. Dean Sherzai is co-director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University. Dean trained in Neurology at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and completed fellowships in neurodegenerative diseases and dementia at the National Institutes of Health and UC San Diego. He also holds a PhD in Healthcare Leadership with a focus on community health from Andrews University.
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