More than 8 million Americans suffer from the painful arthritic condition known as gout.

Formerly termed the disease of kings because a rich diet was thought to contribute to the condition, gout results from high blood levels of uric acid, which leads to severe pain in the knees and toes.

Gout patients also have an increased risk for heart problems and kidney stones. However, researchers from Boston University Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital reported the results of a study of nearly 300,000 participants, which showed that those with gout were less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

One hypothesis for the potential brain-protective effects of gout involves uric acid’s antioxidant properties. Other research has documented the benefits of antioxidants in protecting brain cells from the wear and tear of oxidative stress associated with aging.

But given the potential harmful effects of uric acid on the joints, kidney, and the heart, safer antioxidants are likely more prudent for protecting the brain.

Foods rich in antioxidants include colorful fruits and green leafy vegetables.