Over 600,000 Americans, under the age of 65, have early onset Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Add to that the number of those who are over 65 and the threat begins to hit home.

The threat of losing the capacity to take care of one’s self in later years is a frightening thought. Almost everyone I know has at least one relative or close acquaintance who suffers from noticeable memory loss.

I remember hearing an old wife’s tale when I was young. My relatives always called fish ‘brain food.’ As it turns out, it wasn’t a tall tale after-all, there is some truth in it.

Recent studies show that you can lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by eating, salmon, mackerel and herring. These fish contain a high amount of Omega-3 acids called DHA. DHA is thought by nutritionists to protect against memory loss.

One study showed that people older than age 65, who ate Omega-3 rich fish at least once a week, were 60% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s as compared with those who rarely ate these fish. For eating only one fish dinner per week, that is a huge benefit.

Several studies suggest a Mediterranean diet for improved brain health. This diet is rich in fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fish, wine and olive oil. These are all Omega-3 rich foods. The Mediterranean diet is also LOW in red meat.

The following is a list of habits that are thought to help prevent memory loss. Follow as many of these suggestions as possible to increase your odds of avoiding Alzheimer’s and dementia.

• *Eat oily fish rich in DHA (in particular Omega-3) These are cold water fish – salmon, mackerel and herring.
• *Drink fruit and vegetable juice at least three times a week. – This cuts your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia by a huge 76%!
• *Drink coffee. Coffee drinkers are 30% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. The caffeine keeps the brain alert.
• *Drink green tea. The main antioxidant in it helps to remove Alzheimer’s causing culprits, such as iron, from brain cells.
• *Control your weight. People who are obese at midlife are three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

Begin now to protect yourself against Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. It's never too late.

My father suffered from vascular dementia. Watching him and the others who were residents of the Alzheimer unit brought home the importance of following the correct diet and researching all avenues to brain health.