Daily Life
Ten Dietary Tips for Those Suffering from Alzheimer's Disease
Article no. 16 · April 1, 2026 · Updated September 20, 2026 ·
There is no diet that cures Alzheimer's disease. But research shows that diet can affect several biological processes linked to the disease – for example, blood sugar, inflammation, blood flow, and the brain's energy supply.
Modern research increasingly suggests that combinations of lifestyle factors can influence cognitive function, something that has been shown, among other things, in the large Finnish FINGER study, where diet, exercise, cognitive training, and control of vascular risks together improved cognitive outcomes in older individuals. The Five-Finger Model is a pedagogical way to bring these different research strands together into a whole.
The model is based on the idea that brain health is affected by several factors simultaneously: metabolism and diet, blood flow and exercise, the brain's signaling system, inflammation/cell protection, and mental and social stimulation.
Here are ten practical dietary tips.
1. Avoid large blood sugar spikes
Fast carbohydrates can cause significant fluctuations in blood sugar. This can negatively affect the brain's energy balance.
Therefore, avoid sugar, soda, white bread, and pastries.
2. Choose slower carbohydrates
Foods that break down more slowly provide a more even energy supply to the brain.
Good examples include:
- oatmeal
- whole grain products
- beans and lentils
