Healthy diet and exercise can fight Alzheimer's

A couple of years ago, I wrote an article on chemobrain for MAMM. What I learned in writing that piece was that chemo may not be the culprit in brain lapses during cancer--the cancer itself can cause changes in the brain. I also learned that spending time in nature can help counter the effects. I just recently finished writing an article on Alzheimer's disease for Transitions magazine and, as always, learned as much as my readers—probably more so because I can't put everything into the published piece. The biggest lesson for me from the article: A diet high in antioxidants (blueberries and spinach were specifically studied), plus physical activity both can combat the effects of Alzheimer's, just as they combat cancer. More reason to head out and enjoy this emerging Spring weather (finally!) and focus on that healthy diet.