The Dinner Choice That Thwarts Alzheimer's

Recipe for a sharp mind: chop some mango, jalapeno, and cilantro; toss together with lime juice, salt, and pepper; then spoon generously over grilled fish.

The combo of fatty acids from the fish and antioxidants from the fresh fruit helps protect the brain from dementia. Here's how these -- and other -- nutrients boost your brain.

Oh, Those Omega-3s
Eating lots of omega-3-rich fish is a good start on your trip toward a perpetually sharp mind. (Read this article for five other brain foods.) Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, which may be the reason for their mind-preserving powers. In fact, getting enough omega-3s in your diet may offset the increased dementia risk that comes from loading up on too many inflammation-linked fats like omega-6s from corn oil and soybean oil. Learn more about balancing your fat intake -- and which kind you probably get too much of -- with this article.

And Those Antioxidants
Antioxidant-packed produce also can help keep your mind sharp by helping to mop up the free radicals that damage the cells in your noggin. Picking produce rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids might be particularly helpful in defending against Alzheimer's and dementia. Find the best sources of the nutrients with this online tool.

Brain pills or hype? Let the RealAge doctors talk you through it, from vitamin E to ginkgo biloba.

Stay sharp with this mind-bending sudoku puzzle.

Dietary patterns and risk of dementia: the Three-City cohort study. Barberger-Gateau, P., Raffaitin, C., Letenneur, L., Berr, C., Tzourio, C., Dartigues, J. F., Alperovitch, A., Neurology 2007 Nov 13;69(20):1921-1930.