#6 Antioxidants.
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		Recent evidence suggests that antioxidants, a class of nutrients which includes Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and beta carotene, may play a role in preventing the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease. One study found that dietary intake of Vitamin E, commonly found in vegetable and seed oils, was associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's. Other researchers have found similar results for both Vitamin C and Vitamin E, with the protective effect even stronger among smokers. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and several kinds of vegetables. Among patients already diagnosed with Alzheimer's, dietary supplements of Vitamin E have been found to prolong independence and increase performance for daily living activities.
Further Reading: Engelhart, M. J., et al. (2002). Dietary Intake of Antioxidants and Risk of Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of the American Medical Association, 287, 3223-3229. Morris, M. C., et al. (2002). Dietary Intake of Antioxidant Nutrients and the Risk of Incident Alzheimer Disease in a Biracial Community Study. Journal of the American Medical Association, 287, 3230-3237. Sano, M., et al. (1997). A controlled trial of selegiline, alpha-tocopherol, or both as treatment for Alzheimer's Disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 336, 1216-1222.