The most common type of dementia in the elderly is Alzheimer’s disease.
An estimated 4 million people in the U.S have Alzheimer’s and 360,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown; however several factors are thought to be implicated in this disease. These include neurochemical factors, such as deficiencies in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, somatostatin, substance P, and norepinephrine.
Environmental factors and genetic immunologic factors are also thought to be involved in Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is not exclusive to the elderly population; its onset begins in middle age in 1% to 10% of cases.
Most of us would want to do everything we can to prevent this disease, especially if it runs in our family. Scientist are looking at diet as a way in preventing or delaying the onset of this degenerative illness.
Eating fish, fruits, veggies, and fats rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as walnut oil) may help prevent dementia, a French study shows….