Food for thought

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are increasingly prevalent among American seniors, but following something resembling the Mediterranean diet may stave off cognitive decline, according to WebMD.com.

Here are five foods to focus on:

• Whole grains: Make at least half of your grain servings whole grains, which are packed with protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients.

• (Some) seafood: Fish like salmon, halibut and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of dementia.

• Produce: Yeah, you’ve heard this one before, but eating fruits and veggies—especially dark, leafy greens and berries—is good for all aspects of health, including brain function.

• Choline: What the heck is choline? It’s an essential nutrient for memory and muscle movement found most abundantly in salmon, cod, shrimp, whole eggs, meat and poultry.

• Healthy fats: Fatty fish, nuts, olive oil and canola oil are critical to any brain-boosting diet.