VIDEO: Natural Memory Enhancing Foods

Dr. Stengler: One of the key reasons for memory loss is a deficiency of brain-specific nutrients, but it can be helped. We start with those omega-3 fatty acids — get those good fats into the brain to get those cells working better. We also need more antioxidants, which protect the brain cells from damage. Some of my favorites are berries; they have very potent antioxidants, and with regard to the brain, the most well-studied are blueberries and pomegranate juice. So if you're worried about dementia or Alzheimer's disease and you want to protect your brain, get these foods in on a regular basis — every day or every other day; even small servings can be very powerful.

Spices can be very powerful for the brain too. The most well-studied and most exciting at this point is turmeric. You see it in a lot of Indian foods; you can sprinkle it on your food or take it as a supplement. It has a natural anti-inflammatory effect that gives some protection. Also, cold-water fish: a seven-year study of 815 people ages 64 to 94 found that people who ate fish only one to three times a month had a 40% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease than those who never ate fish. And if that isn't good enough, those who consumed fish one time a week had a 60% lower risk. Is there any drug that can do that? Not that I know of. These are empowering, easy changes that put you in charge of your health through food — you can actually eat your way to good health.

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