The Role of Nutrition in Individualized Alzheimer's Risk Reduction

Curr Nutr Rep. 2020 Jun;9(2):55-63. doi: 10.1007/s13668-020-00311-7.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Decades of research suggests nutritional interventions can be an effective tool for reducing risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), especially as part of an individualized clinical management plan. This review aims to emphasize new findings examining how specific dietary changes may delay or possibly prevent AD onset, and highlight how interventions can be adopted in clinical practice based on emerging principles of precision medicine.

Recent findings: Specific dietary patterns and varied nutrient combinations can have a protective effect on brain health, promote cognitive function, and mediate the comorbidity of chronic conditions associated with increased AD risk. Individuals at risk for AD may see a greater impact of evidence-based dietary changes when initiated earlier in the AD spectrum. Depending on individual clinical profiles, incorporation of nutrition strategies is an essential component of an AD risk reduction plan in clinical practice.

Keywords: APOE; Aging diet; Alzheimer’s prevention; Alzheimer’s risk reduction; Brain health; Cognitive function; DASH diet; Dietary flavonols; Dietary supplementation; Insulin resistance; Lifestyle behaviors; MIND diet; Niacin; Nutritional intervention; O3FA; Oxidative stress; Precision medicine; Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / prevention & control*
  • Biomarkers
  • Cognition
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Nutrition Therapy*
  • Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Precision Medicine / methods*
  • Risk Reduction Behavior

Substances

  • Biomarkers