Q. We have heard that people who drink fruit and vegetable juice have a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Are veggie juices as good as fruit juices? What about wine?
A. Several studies suggest that food could play a role in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A Mediterranean diet has been associated with less cognitive impairment and dementia (Current Alzheimer’s Research, Aug. 2011). In particular, a diet high in nonstarchy vegetables, fruits, nuts and berries seems to be somewhat protective (Journal of Nutrition, Sept. 2009).
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidant compounds and so are berries, tea, cocoa, pomegranates and wine.
New research suggests that moderate social drinking, particularly wine, may also reduce the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease (Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, online Aug. 11, 2011).
