Elderly individuals who had a diet that included higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereal and fish and was low in red meat and poultry and who were physically active had an associated lower risk of Alzheimer disease, according to a study in the August 12 issue of JAMA. In a second study, higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with slower cognitive decline, but was not associated with a decreased risk of dementia.

(more...)

A new observational study from the US suggests that exercise combined with a Mediterranean-style diet is linked with a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease and the researchers said the findings were strong enough to justify setting up controlled trials to investigate the link more robustly and see if there are any other factors that might have an affect on Alzheimer’s risk.

(more...)

Eating a “heart healthy” diet and maintaining or increasing participation in moderate physical activity may help preserve our memory and thinking abilities as we age, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.

(more...)

Those diagnosed with early stage dementia can slow their physical, mental and psychological decline by taking part in therapeutic programs that combine counseling, support groups, Taiji and qigong, researchers report. Some of the benefits of this approach are comparable to those achieved with anti-dementia medications. The findings are detailed in the American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias.
(more...)

Use of the herb Ginkgo biloba, claimed to have beneficial effects on memory and cognition, was not effective in reducing the rate of dementia or Alzheimer's disease a study found. The study, published in the November 19 issue of JAMA, had more than 1,500 participants who used Gingko biloba over several years. Alzheimer's Society research shows that there is no benefit to taking Gingko biloba.
(more...)

A randomized clinical trial involving over 3,000 elderly people in the US found that the popular herbal supplement Gingko biloba fared no better than placebo at preventing dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The research was the work of the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study Investigators who are based at centers throughout the US, including the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where lead author Dr Steven T DeKosky, was working at the time of the investigation.
(more...)

University of Central Florida students are helping people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders through an innovative program that blends traditional therapy along with games such as the Wii and yoga. Media are invited to attend a session from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Nov. 14, or Friday, Nov. 21, at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, 125 N. Interlachen Ave.
(more...)