title: Nutrition and cognitive impairment
abstract: Dementia, closely linked to environmental predisposing factors such as diet, is a public health problem of increasing magnitude: currently there are more than 35 million patients with Alzheimer´s disease, and is expected to exceed 135 million by 2050. If we can delay the development of dementia 5 years will reduce its prevalence by 50%. Patients with dementia modify their diet, and it has been reported in them deficits, among others, of folic acid, vitamin B12, B6, C, E, A, D, K, beta carotene and omega 3 fatty acids, that must be resolved with proper diet and with extra contributions if needed in some cases.
  But to reduce, or at least delay, the prevalence of dementia we advocate prevention through proper diet from the beginning of life, an idea that is reinforced given that cardiovascular risk factors are related directly to the development of dementia. A lot of literature are available that, although with limits, allows us to make nutritional recommendations for preventing cognitive impairment. Better results are achieved when complete diets have been studied and considered over specific nutrients separately. Particularly, the Mediterranean diet has great interest in this disease, since it ensures a high intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, cereals, fish and olive oil, and moderate intake of meat, dairy products and alcohol. We will focus more on this article in this type of diet.
authors: Sección de Neurología. Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa. Leganés, Madrid. virgiliohernadorequejo@gmail.com.
authors: Virgilio
authors: V
authors: Hernando-Requejo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D003704:Dementia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D018977:Micronutrients; D009752:Nutritional Status
chemical_list: D018977:Micronutrients
keywords: Demencia. Enfermedad de Alzheimer. Nutrición. Dieta. Prevención