Feed Your Brain: Walnuts May Delay Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease

The walnut is a little superfood that packs a big punch, especially when it comes to brain health. This nut has numerous health benefits since they are rich in dietary-fiber, protein, essential fats, vitamins and antioxidants. Walnuts have been proven to prevent cancer, lower cholesterol levels for improved heart health and reduce blood pressure and stress, among other benefits. Best yet, research has suggested that walnuts also protect your brain against the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Walnuts resemble the human brain

A recent study performed at the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities found that eating walnuts every day can help stave off dementia. Dr. Abha Chauhan, PhD, head of the Developmental Neuroscience laboratory at the Institute, and her research team discovered that mice that ate walnuts regularly showed significant improvements in their learning, memory and motor skills compared with mice not given the nut.

The study used both wild mice and mice genetically altered to have a predisposition for Alzheimer’s disease. They fed some of the mice a diet containing 6-9% walnuts (which is equivalent to 1-1.5 ounces of walnuts for humans per day), while another control group was not given any nuts. All of the mice were assessed on a number of skills using multiple experiments and mazes. The mice with the walnut-enriched diet performed much better than the control group in areas such as their spatial and learning abilities, psychomotor skills and coordination.

“These findings are very promising and help lay the groundwork for future human studies on walnuts and Alzheimer’s disease – a disease for which there is no known cure,” said Dr. Chauhan. “Our study adds to the growing body of research that demonstrates the protective effects of walnuts on cognitive functioning.”

Bowl of WalnutsThis study followed up on previous research that suggested that omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts work to provide protective benefits against oxidative damage caused by amyloid beta, a protein implicated in causing dementia. The nutritious nut also contains vitamin E, flavonoids, and anti-oxidants, which work to eradicate harmful free radicals and combat inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s.

A healthy diet is a priority in maintaining optimal brain heath. However, it is important to follow a well-rounded program to address all aspects of cognitive health including cognitive stimulation. Home Care Assistance’s proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method™ is a holistic program that incorporates cognitive activities and positive lifestyle choices, including exercise, nutrition and social connectedness, to prevent cognitive decline. To learn more about the Cognitive Therapeutics Method, visit www.CognitiveTherapeutics.com.

 

Sources

Sharma, Gargi. “Why These Nuts Are a Superfood.” Cooks.ndtv.com. N.p., 6 Oct. 2014. Web.

“Go Walnuts – 13 Health Benefits of This Awesome Nut!” Www.thehealthsite.com. N.p., 17 Jan. 2014. Web.

Kunkle, Fredrick. “Walnuts Appear to Delay Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease, New Study Finds.” Washington Post. The Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2014. Web.

 “Animal Study Reveals Potential Brain-health Benefits of a Walnut-enriched Diet.” Animal Study Reveals Potential Brain-health Benefits of a Walnut-enriched Diet. Medical Xpress, 21 Oct. 2014. Web.