Here's one of those annoying hypothetical questions for you: if you had to choose between cancer and Alzheimer's, which would you opt for?

For any of you who have ever misplaced your car keys, or forgotten whether or not you’d turned off the stove, the Kat thinks he knows the answer.

A 2006 survey conducted by MetLife, found that among the 55+ crowd, Alzheimer’s was the most feared disease, easily beating out cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. A 2008 British poll, commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, confirmed these findings. Once again, dementia topped the list of most frightening diseases.

About 4.5 million Americas currently struggle with Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 1 in 10 over 65 suffer from the disease. As our population ages, those numbers are expected to skyrocket.

The culprits in rising risk? I'm sure you'll be shocked: inflammation and free radical damage. Researchers keep tying Alzheimer's with heart disease, obesity, poor diet and other metabolic syndrome issues. Cognitive decline is also being tied to depression, social isolation, mental apathy, and lack of exercise.

So what’s a poor human to do? Well, as usual, this kat's got a few suggestions from the Co-op.

Let’s start with one supplement you might not have thought of:

Cinnamon. Yup, cinnamon. A new study out of the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology out of the University of California, Santa Barbara (J Alzheimer’s, 2009 May 11) found cinnamon inhibited tau aggregation and filament formation, two hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. An exceptional source of antioxidants, cinnamon has been shown to disassemble tau tangles in the brain after they formed in other studies. So douse your oatmeal and applesauce generously with cinnamon—and consider adding the Co-op’s Cinnamon to your daily supplement regimen.

Fish Oil. There are ample studies out there that have shown that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are good for the brain. One of the main components of brain synapses, you’ll find omega-3s in fatty fish like salmon as well as in walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds. You’ll also find omega-3s in Fish Oil, one of our perennial Top 10 products. Not only are they good for your old noggin, omega-3s are also great for your heart and keeping inflammation generally at bay (see the news note below on macular degeneration!).

Acetyl-L Carnitine & Alpha Lipoic Acid. Double blind clinical trials have shown Acetyl-L-Carnitine both delays the progression of Alzheimer’s and improves the mental function of those already afflicted with the dread disease. Add Alpha Lipoic Acid, one of the only antioxidants that can easily get into the brain, and you’ve delivered a powerful one-two punch against cognitive decline.

Ginkgo Biloba. This one’s as old as the Asian hills. For centuries, people have been consuming the leaves of Ginkgo trees to enhance brain power. Indeed, Ginkgo Biloba has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain.

While we’re at it, a few more brain health suggestions from moi.

• Drink your water. Did ya know dehydration raises stress hormone levels, and can cause serious brain damage over time? Shoot for at least ten glasses of water a day.

• Eat your antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Try blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, spinach, Brussels sprouts (no gagging, the humans in Salt Lake City swear by shredded Brussels sprouts sautéed in garlic and olive oil), broccoli, beets, avocados, cherries, and kiwis.

• Indulge in green tea. It helps prevent build-up of plaque in the brain in addition to protecting your heart, immune system, and more.

• Get out and move your booty. Physical exercise is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain and can even encourage new brain cells. Exercise also reduces your risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, big risk factors for getting Alzheimer's.

• Don’t worry so much! Like this kat said, stress is bad news for your brain and weakens connections between neurons.

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