Food for the brain!

The key to what a Clemson professor said this afternoon in Seneca is whether her audience could remember it.  For those of advanced age and even the young, Dr. Cheryl Dye gave tips on how to avoid the devastating disease of the mind, Alzheimer’s.  As the director of the Clemson University Institute for Engaged Aging, Dye spoke as a professional.  But she has a personal interest, for a close member of the family has Alzheimer’s.  Bad news is there is no cure and no magic pill anywhere in the future.  But there is plenty you can do to eliminate or minimize your chances for the disease.  Don’t smoke.  If you have diabetes, make sure your condition is under control.  Exercise plenty.  She recommends walks of 150 minutes a week.  (Those who don’t get in regular physical activity are one-third more likely to contract Alzheimer’s.)  Leisure activities are important, with dancing atop the list, especially a dance in which you must think quickly before changing a step.  Don’t eat transfatty acids.  Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, including salad once a day.  Eat plates of food with lots of color, especially blues and greens.  Dye is a believer in blueberries and tries to eat them once a day.  She recommends salmon and a glass of red wine.  And sleep 7 to 9 hours a day.  Try for deep sleep, but stay away from sleeping aids.