08/10/2026
๐ฐ ๐ก๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ก๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ-๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฎ
๐Iligan City
๐ก๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ผ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ: ๐๐น๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟโ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ช๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ธ
โ๐ผ by Iligan City Nutrition Committee
Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common causes of progressive memory loss among older adults. It is a condition that gradually affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. While occasional forgetfulness can be a normal part of healthy aging, persistent memory problems that interfere with daily life, relationships, and independence may indicate a more serious concern.
Alzheimerโs Disease Awareness Week was celebrated during the third week of September, it is important to increase public understanding of the condition, reduce stigma, and encourage support for individuals and families affected by Alzheimerโs Disease. Raising awareness can help people recognize potential warning signs, understand the challenges faced by those living with the disease, and seek appropriate medical support when needed.
Alongside awareness and medical care, nutrition is an important aspect of overall health and healthy aging, particularly in relation to Alzheimerโs disease. The brain requires a variety of nutrients to support its normal functions, and maintaining a balanced diet can contribute to overall brain and physical health. Although nutrition cannot cure or prevent the disease on its own, healthy eating habits may support brain health and help address nutritional challenges that can occur as the disease progresses. Just as proper nutrition helps protect the heart, it also plays a vital role in keeping the brain healthy throughout life. Understanding the relationship between Alzheimerโs disease and nutrition can therefore help promote better health, well-being, and quality of life for individuals and their caregivers.
Research has shown that poor dietary quality is associated with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Diets high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and highly processed foods may contribute to inflammation and the accumulation of harmful proteins in the brain that are linked to Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, the Western dietary pattern, which is often rich in processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary beverages, has been associated with a greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
On the other hand, healthier eating patterns have demonstrated potential benefits for brain health. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and healthy fats such as olive oil, has been associated with improved memory, better cognitive performance, and a lower risk of developing dementia. Studies have also found that individuals who closely follow a Mediterranean-style diet may experience slower memory decline and better preservation of brain structure as they age.
Another dietary approach gaining attention is the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. The MIND diet encourages the regular consumption of leafy green vegetables, berries, whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, poultry, and olive oil while limiting fried foods, processed meats, sweets, and foods high in saturated fat. These foods provide essential nutrients that support brain function and may help protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Certain nutrients are also believed to contribute to brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA found in fish, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, have been associated with slower rates of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables may help combat oxidative stress, which is believed to play a role in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Adequate intake of vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin E has also been linked to better cognitive health, although more research is needed to fully understand their effects.
While nutrition alone cannot prevent or cure Alzheimer's disease, adopting healthy dietary habits remain one of the most practical and accessible ways to support lifelong brain health. Combined with regular physical activity, mental stimulation, quality sleep, and social engagement, a balanced diet can be an important part of a comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of cognitive decline and promoting healthy aging.
References:
Safiri S, Ghaffari Jolfayi A, Fazlollahi A, Morsali S, Sarkesh A, Daei Sorkhabi A, Golabi B, Aletaha R, Motlagh Asghari K, Hamidi S, Mousavi SE, Jamalkhani S, Karamzad N, Shamekh A, Mohammadinasab R, Sullman MJM, ลahin F and Kolahi A-A (2024) Alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive review of epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms diagnosis, management, caregiving, advanced treatments and associated challenges. Front. Med. 11:1474043. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1474043
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1474043/full
Lou, I. X., Ali, K., & Chen, Q. (2023). Effect of nutrition in Alzheimerโs disease: A systematic review. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 17, 1147177.https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1147177 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1147177/full
National Institute on Aging. (2026, July 16). What do we know about diet and prevention of Alzheimerโs disease? https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-do-we-know-about-diet-and-prevention-alzheimers-disease
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-do-we-know-about-diet-and-prevention-alzheimers-disease
Eat Right | Alzheimerโs Association. (n.d.). Alzheimerโs Association.
https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/eat-right