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Apparently, a study published in 2015 and updated in 2018 found that healthy older adults who followed a Mediterranean diet (with extra olive oil or nuts) have better cognitive performance outcomes than people on a “control reduced-fat diet.” The results were positive but the “why” was a mystery until June of last year when the Alzheimer’s Association published a new study examining the link between the Mediterranean diet and cognitive function. After evaluating more than 7,700 people, the researchers found that fish was the big secret! Eating seafood a few times a week lowered people’s risk of cognitive impairment and decline. Some good options, according to Harvard, which are also easy to find at your local grocer include salmon and trout, white-fleshed fish (cod, tilapia, flounder), shellfish (lobster, crab, clams, scallops, crawfish, shrimp), and canned fish (light tuna, sardines). The study also found that eating vegetables helped participants ward off cognitive impairment. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating green leafy veggies at least six times a week and other vegetables at least once a day. Nuts are recommended five times a week, beans more “After evaluating more than 7,700 people, the researchers found that fish was the big secret! Eating fish a few times a week lowered people’s risk of cognitive impairment and decline.”
than three times a week, and berries at least twice a week, among other things. Google “The MIND Diet” to see the full list. Meanwhile, Healthline warns that sugary snacks, starchy food, and processed meats can increase our risk of Alzheimer’s (dang it!). Personally, I was excited to learn that I could actively do something to ward off Alzheimer’s and dementia. Even better, I discovered that trying new things can create neural pathways in our brains and fight off mental decline, so experimenting in the kitchen is a win-win. This month, I’m going to test out some new recipes and cooking techniques for fish and vegetable-based dishes. Here are a few on my list: • Poached Lobster With Vegetable Macedonia , a delicious- looking dish with lobster, four kinds of vegetables, French beans, and Greek yogurt from Epicurious.com . • Baked Stuffed Fish Fillet , a recipe for flounder stuffed with breadcrumbs, sage, and celery from TheSpruceEats.com . • Greek Orzo Salad , a very Mediterranean dish packed with chickpeas, Kalamata olives, and herbs like dill, mint, and oregano that I found on ACoupleCooks.com .
Want to join me in this tasty mental exercise? If you do, let me know what you think of the recipe(s) that you try. I’d love to test out your finds.
LULU THE POT-BELLIED PIG’S CUNNING PLAN TO SAVE HER OWNER Man’s Smartest Friend
According to animal experts, pigs are smarter than any other domestic animal, including cats and dogs. That may seem hard to believe, as you probably associate pigs with a pink, smelly animal that oinks and rolls around in the muck. However, the story of how Lulu the pot-bellied pig saved her owner’s life might persuade you to reconsider. Back in 1998 (otherwise this story would have certainly gone viral), Lulu the pig was a permanent fixture at Jo Ann and Jack Altsman’s property in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. They had initially only taken Lulu from her original owner, the Altsmans’ daughter, for a temporary stay, but they ended up bonding with Lulu, and she was with them for much longer than expected. On Aug. 4, Jo Ann suffered from a heart attack. Jack was out of town on a fishing trip, and even though Jo Ann cried for help and even threw an alarm clock out the window, no one heard her cries from their somewhat secluded home. The family’s dog, Bear, barked and barked to no avail. Lulu, however, knew Jo Ann needed help quickly and waddled into action.
Lulu made her way to the nearest road, scraping her skin in the process and leaving it torn and bleeding.
Once she reached the road, she laid down as if to play dead. Not long after that, a passing driver saw Lulu
and stopped to check on her. Once Lulu was sure she had the driver’s attention, she got up and waddled back toward her home, leading the driver to where Jo Ann lay on the floor. When the driver found Jo Ann, he immediately called 911, and emergency services took her to a medical center for open-heart surgery. Had just 15 more minutes passed without help, Jo Ann would have died. For her heroism, Lulu received the Tiffany gold hero’s medal from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and made multiple television appearances as her fame spread. Hopefully, she was smart enough to know just how much she was appreciated.
2 • swbwlawfirm.com
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