Alcohol--or grape juice--may help, too
Wine--and 'Mediterranean Food' may help against brain degeneration
The 'Mediterranean Diet'--lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil, and a glass of wine is touted as heart healthy, but new research shows it may also help with brain function, according to a pair of studies.
In the first study, published in the Archives of Neurology, researchers followed close to 1400 people for 4.5 years, and found that those who followed the mediterranean diet most closely had a 48% less chance of Alzheimer's and general cognitive impairment four to five years later.
The second study, published in the Journal of Age and Ageing, shows people with no memory impairment may fend off dementia with light to moderate alcohol comsumption (One glass a day for women, 1 or 2 for men).
Dr. Richard O'Neill, psychologist at SUNY Upstate, says red grape juice is not as well researched, but it contains many of the same health compoinds that would provide healthy effects. He also points out that both physical and mental exercise, as well as social activity, add to brain health.
