Foods & Vitamins for Dementia

Dementia is a term used describe a decline in the brain's cognitive functions. A person with dementia may experience memory and thinking problems and may also have difficulty in expressing emotions. The U.K. National Health Service's website, NHS Choices notes that most cases of dementia are caused by damage to the structure of the brain. There are several types of dementia including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia. Some vitamins and foods may help prevent or delay dementia.

B Vitamins

Research published in the September 2010 issue of the medical journal "Public Library of Science ONE" notes that vitamin B tablets may help reduce brain shrinkage, a phenomenon associated with memory loss, confusion and dementia. Lead author Professor David Smith found that patients who took high doses of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 daily had less brain shrinkage than those who took a placebo treatment. Professor Smith notes that B vitamins exert this effect by lowering levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked with brain shrinkage. The dose of B vitamins taken by patients in the study is much higher than the recommended dietary allowance. Do not take high amounts of vitamin B without consulting a doctor first.

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Vitamins C and E

A combination of vitamin C and vitamin E may prevent Alzheimer's type dementia, according to a study published in the January 2004 edition of "Archives of Neurology." Vitamins C and E are both potent antioxidants that may protect brain cells from oxidative damage. Lead author, P.P. Zandi found that Alzheimer's disease was less prevalent in patients who took a combination of vitamin E and C; however each vitamin taken alone had no effect.

Oily Fish

Oily fish such as mackerel, tuna and herring may prevent cognitive decline according to a study published in the March 2009 edition of the "Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging." Lead author A.D. Dangour notes that people who consumed high quantities of fish had better cognitive function in later life. Oily fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, a high concentration of which are found in the brain. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that omega-3 fatty acids may be important for memory and brain performance.

Fruits and Vegetables

The NHS Choices website notes that diet plays an important role in the prevention of dementia and recommends eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables are low in salt and cholesterol, which may contribute to the development of vascular dementia, notes NHS Choices. Fruits and vegetables also contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals essential for overall good health.