Foods that battle against Alzheimer's

Researchers are finding many links between diet and dementia, and there is evidence that some foods are powerful allies in the battle against Alzheimer's.

Fish, especially oily fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and should be eaten at least 3x/week. Researchers at Chicago's St. Luke's Medical Center found that people 65 and older who had fish once a week had a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer's than those who did not eat fish. (My sisters: Take note!)

Eggs are a good dietary source of choline - a component of lecithin. They are also a good source of iron, vitamin B12 and other B vitamins, an excellent source of protein, and very easy to eat and digest.

Wheat germ and whole grains high in lecithin and choline, carbohydrate, vitamin E, B vitamins and numerous mineral help forestall Alzheimer's. Whole-grain breads are a popular and readily available item to add to anyone's diet.

Soy products are rich in choline and provide protein, carbohydrate, calcium and fiber. They are a good source of folic acid - also known as folate - and are known to lower blood levels of homocysteine.

Source: Foods that Heal, Foods that Harm, Reader's Digest