THANKS A BUNCH: Memory booster LONDON (Daily Express), November 13, 2007:
A carrot-a-day diet keeps the memory sharp and cuts the risk of dementia, scientists revealed yesterday. Taking supplements of beta-carotene – which makes carrots orange – over a number of years may help you remember words and conversations. It is thought that beta-carotene protects brain cells from the damage caused by ageing.
The American study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, shows that men who took the supplement for more than 15 years scored far better in cognitive tests than those who were not prescribed it.
Researchers believe that in the longer term, people using the supplement could reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s, but added that more research was needed to confirm this. And they warned smokers not to take beta-carotene because it can increase the risk of lung cancer.
New research published in the journal Neurology has found that adding oils rich in omega 3, such as flaxseed and walnut, to meals can lower the risk of dementia by 60 per cent, and a weekly portion of fish by 35 per cent.
Daily fresh fruit and vegetables cut the chances of dementia by 30 per cent compared with those who rarely ate them, the study reveals. But those who did not have a balanced diet and ate oils rich in omega 6, such as sunflower, a few times a week saw dementia risk double.
The researchers found no link between eating meat and dementia, and no added protection for those who drank red wine, as previous studies have suggested.
Dr Pascale Barberger-Gateau, from the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research, who led the study, said: “A diet rich in fish, omega 3-rich oils, fruits and vegetables could contribute to decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in older persons, whereas consumption of omega 6-rich oils could exert detrimental effects when not counter-balanced by omega-3 intake.”
Last night British charities welcomed the latest research. Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said: “Diet is a magnet for research because it could offer a relatively inexpensive way to fight a disease that devastates lives and costs the NHS care services more than cancer, stroke and heart disease combined.
“Many scientists believe there is a link between diet and reducing the risks of developing Alzheimer’s, and this interesting piece of research adds weight to this theory.
“Further research is needed to understand how beta carotene affects those with impaired cognition on a molecular level before we can recommend its use as a dietary supplement to help prevent cognitive decline.”
By Victoria Fletcher
Copyright ©2006 Northern and Shell Media Publications.
