Hot chocolate and other memory-boosting foods that could prevent Alzheimers

A new study has indicated that hot chocolate can help stave off Alzheimer's. Drinking two cups of cups of cocoa a day were found to boost memory in elderly people by nearly one-third.

The study required volunteers to drink two cups of hot chocolate a day for a month, after which memory and thinking skills were tested. At the end, an 8.3% improvement in blood flow to the working areas of the brain was recorded, as well as improved times on memory tests.

The results are thought to be due to chocolate’s ability to increase blood flow to the brain.

Dr Doug Brown, Director of Research and Development at the Alzheimer's Society, said the findings were interesting but that more work must be done.

“We know that poor blood flow can affect people's brain power because they don't have enough fuel in their brain cells to complete tasks efficiently. From this small but interesting study, it seems that cocoa helps improve blood supply to the brain, therefore having a knock on effect of improving people's cognition,” Brown said.

“Although this could be good news for those who enjoy a relaxing hot chocolate before bed, we do need further research to better our understanding of the link between cocoa and cognition.”

Cocoa is not the first food to be linked with improved memory. Here are some of the other foods thought to boost cognitive skills.

Oysters

Oysters are extremely high in zinc, a mineral that plays an important role in the learning and memory functions located in the hippocampus area of the brain. Other foods rich in zinc include liver, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate.

Oily fish

Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna contain essential fatty acids (EFAs) that cannot be made by the body and must be included in the diet. These omega-3 fats are highly concentrated in the brain and are crucial for cognitive function, as well as for growth and development. Low levels have been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and memory loss. Other sources of omega-3 fats include pumpkin seeds, linseed oil, soya beans and walnut oil.

“Going low fat is not a good idea for good cognitive function as the brain is 60% fat,” says nutritionist Penny Crowther (nutritionistlondon.co.uk). “The omega-3 fats from oily fish, nuts and seeds are particularly important in this respect.”

Broccoli, spinach and liver

Food containing folic acid reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood which, in turn, is thought to lower the risk of stroke, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's. Folic acid is found in broccoli, brussels sprouts, liver, spinach, asparagus, brown rice and fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamins B6, B12 – found mainly in meat, fish and eggs – have a similar homocysteine-reducing effect and a study found that high doses of B6, B12 and folic acid led to a decrease in brain shrinkage amoung elderly patients.

Eggs

Eggs contain choline, a nutrient vital for the body’s production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory, concentration and focus. Choline is also found in milk, organ meats and whole wheat products.

Tomatoes

According to studies, the antioxident lycopene protects against the free radical damage to cells which plays a role in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, as are red carrots, red peppers and watermelons.

Strawberries and blueberries

Brightly coloured fruits and dark green vegetables are rich in carotinoids and flavonoids, antioxidants that may slow the onset of dementia by repairing the damage from free radicals. A US study found that older women who ate two or more servings of strawberries and blueberries a day were able to forestall memory decline by up to two years.

Wholegrains

Maintaining steady energy levels is vital for your brain, as for the rest of your bodily functions. Foods with low-GI levels gradually release glucose into the bloodstream, aiding memory and mental functioning. Go for wholegrains such as wheatbran, brown rice, brown pasta, wholewheat bread, barley and bulgar wheat.

“Maintaining healthy blood sugar balance is key,” says Penny. “If the supply of glucose to the brain is disrupted, a variety of mental symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, confusion, irritability, panic, forgetfulness and impaired concentration may occur.”

Olive oil

Based on a study showing that high doses of vitamin E delayed loss of ability to carry out daily activities in elderly people, the antioxidant is sometimes prescribed by doctors to treat cognitive Alzheimer's symptoms. Vitamin E is found in plant oils such as soya, corn and olive oil as well as in nuts, seeds and cereals.

Ginkgo

Extracts from the herb Ginkgo are sometimes used to treat memory disorders including Alzheimer’s and other conditions that may be due to reduced blood flow in the brain. Ginkgo dilates blood vessels, improving blood circulation to the brain, as well as making blood less sticky.

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