Prominent Researcher Outlines Alzheimer's Prevention Diet at Mount Miguel Covenant Village

Food can be one of the most effective weapons in the battle against the Alzheimer’s disease, according to Marwan Sabbagh, M.D., University of Arizona College of Medicine professor and co-author of “The Alzheimer’s Prevention Cookbook.”

Dr. Sabbagh, who was recently at Mount Miguel Covenant Village, a faith-based, not-for-profit, continuing care retirement community administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, informed greater San Diego area seniors on the “Tools for Brain Health are in Your Kitchen.” However, this news is not just for seniors, he explained that neurodegeneration begins 25 years before symptoms appear.

“According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in 10 Americans 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease,” says Lyne Brownwood, director of sales at Mount Miguel Covenant Village. “There are a lot of overwhelming and competing facts about the disease, and with the numbers constantly growing, we felt it was important to educate San Diego area seniors on the small yet beneficial ways they can work toward preventing Alzheimer’s and improving their memory.”

During his presentation, Sabbagh explained that although there is still no cure for the Alzheimer’s disease, research has shown that consuming specific foods that are high in nutrient values can lower the risk of cognitive decline. He noted that foods that contain thiamine, pyridoxine, folic acid or cyanocobalamin can help fight brain diseases.

Additionally, Sabbagh provided attendees with information on how to easily adopt a brain healthy diet. Some of his tips included:

• Reduce the intake of food high in fat and cholesterol

• Consume a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits

• Include herbs, fruits and vegetables with high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity scores

• Eat fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids

• Follow the guidelines of a Mediterranean diet

“Brain health begins in the kitchen,” stated Sabbagh. “Incorporating the correct fruits, vegetables and spices, such as cloves or rosemary, into your meals and making small changes to your diet can have a dramatic effect on your memory and brain health.”

Concluding the seminar, Sabbagh noted that nutrients like resveratrol can be found in unexpected foods and is available as a supplement. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phytoalexin that is found in red wine, and has been shown to have anti-cancer, anti-aging and life-prolonging effects. Recent research by the Journal of Biological Chemistry shows that this natural chemical has the power to enhance memory and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.

A researcher, educator and practicing physician, Sabbagh is director of research at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, one of the world’s most prominent Alzheimer’s disease research institutions. He is the co-author of “The Alzheimer’s Prevention Cookbook” and professor at University of Arizona College of Medicine.

About Mount Miguel Covenant Village

Mount Miguel Covenant Village, a faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, is located at 325 Kempton Street, Spring Valley, Calif. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit senior services providers. Covenant Retirement Communities serves 5,000 residents at 15 retirement communities nationwide and is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information about Miguel Covenant Village, please visit www.mountmiguelcovenant.org or call 877-226-7350.