Anti-Aging Nutrition and Alzheimer's Research

By Dianne M. Buxton

DHA is the omega-3 fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid) found in fish oil. DHA increases the production of a protein called LR11. LR11 is found at reduced levels in Alzheimer's patients, and is known to destroy the protein that forms the plaques, or protein deposits in the brain associated with the disease.

It is considered by researchers that this protein, called beta amyloid, is toxic to neurons in the brain. High levels of LR11 prevents the toxic plaques from being made, and DHA increases its production, thus omega 3 oils play their part in brain healing, or brain wellness.

Our brains are built largely from fat - but not the junk fats we eat in processed food, and not from excessive amounts of omega 6 oils. Omega 6 oils are necessary for good health, but only in a certain ratio to omega 3 oils.

Especially during pregnancy and the first few years of life, we need omega 3 oils in our diet. Our children's' brains depend on this.

But let's think broadly and realize that we need omega 3 oils in our diet on a regular basis.

Henry Lorin, author of "Alzheimer's Solved" states that in the majority of cases Alzheimer's disease is caused by long-term shortages of cholesterol in the elderly brain. Cholesterol means fat.

Cholesterol shows up in the blood when it is not being metabolized properly. It does not necessarily mean you are eating too much fat - but it does mean your body cannot use it for brain function and other important functions like producing hormones.

The elderly often suffer a semi-starvation due to poor dentistry, insufficient stomach acid, and a poor diet in general. Processed and institutional foods offer poor fats, and fats are essential to the brain. "Essential fatty acids" are those which the body cannot manufacture from nutrients - so we must eat them.

The concerns about having high cholesterol lead most people to go for the low fat diet. This is a band aid. Sure less cholesterol shows up in the blood - but what about your precious brain?

Avoiding contaminants from smoking, alcohol and drugs is a start in preventing any kind of brain damage. But our daily eating habits matter just as much.

Your anti-aging education and your choice of fats (amongst many other nutrients like real whole food vitamins and minerals) that counts. Alzheimer's Disease is scary, and becoming more prevalent - parallel to our bad eating habits. Fortunately, Alzheimer's research is leading us back onto track.