Mind your fats
The right kinds of dietaryfat may help protect you against Alzheimer’s disease.A recent study revealed that omega-3 fatty acids, a type of unsaturated fat,may help protect the brain against plaques that are associated withcognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. To get your daily helping ofomega-3s, try these sources: walnuts, salmon, flaxseeds, and soy nuts.
RealAge Benefit: Eating a low-fat diet–and eating healthful unsaturatedfats when you do eat fat–can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.
In addition to potentially protecting the brain against plaques associatedwith cognitive decline, omega-3 fatty acids also preserve cardiovascularhealth because they inhibit the formation of blood clots, decreasetriglycerides, and help keep arteries healthy. Flaxseed oil, certain nuts,canola oil, and cold-water fish, such as salmon, are all good sources ofomega-3s. Exercising regularly and engaging in mentally stimulatingactivities such as reading, playing chess, or doing crossword puzzles areother ways to help preserve your cognitive function.