According to Alzheimer’s Association 2007 statistics (alz.org), every 72 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. With no cure in sight, more researchers are focusing on ways to reduce the risk of the disease through diet and lifestyle.

The latest findings highlight the most promising foods to build better memory, prevent memory loss and influence brain health. These include:

• GOOD FATS
such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado, and flax seed oil

• LEAN PROTEINS
preferably fish, chicken, turkey and soy

• COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES
from vegetables, whole grains and fresh fruit

• BRAIN SUPERFOODS
such as blueberries, spinach and seaweed

• ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS
C and E; other memory-specific nutrients include coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, ginkgo biloba and omega-3 fatty acids

Sources: Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, MayoClinic.com