Mind your health

A growing body of evidence suggests that DHA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

A recent study published in the journal Neurology summarized the findings of a four-year study of over 8,000 French men and women age 65 and older. The study suggests that daily consumption of fruits and vegetables greatly reduces the chances of dementia from all causes. Moreover, the study also suggests that weekly fish consumption -- fish is high in DHA -- was also associated with a reduced risk of dementia from all causes, including Alzheimer's disease in people who lack a specific genotype (apoE4) that, in and of itself, is a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's.

Most people have no issue eating fruits and vegetables, but not everyone enjoys fish. Fortunately, there are several other ways to still get DHA in your diet, including nutritional supplementation and healthy fortified foods.