Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating neurological condition in which car keys can become perpetually lost and the dearest loved ones can turn into strangers. The American Academy of Neurology estimates the number of Americans affected by Alzheimer’s disease will triple over the next 40 years, adding up to 13.8 million people in demand of an effective treatment that keeps them safe and helps maintain quality of life.

In search of an elusive cure, researchers have identified a number of powerful foods that could help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Grocery shopping is an opportunity to lower your risk for disease with platefuls of nutritious, whole foods packed with antioxidants and the nutrients needed to stave off cognitive decline.

In addition to stocking your fridge with certain brain-boosting foods, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends limiting high saturated fats, cholesterol, refined sugars, and salt. Saturated fats and trans fats are currently the biggest known threats to brain health. Studies have shown the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease to increase three times among individuals with the most saturated fat in their diets, and those who consumed trans fats increased their risk by five times. While there are food options that can damage the brain, there are aisles full of options to strengthen your brain for the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Click "View Slideshow" to learn how these six foods feed your brain.

Alzheimers Food
A handful of foods, like beets, can help protect the brain from damage that leads to Alzheimer's disease. Photo courtesy of Pixabay, public domain