Diet Could Risk Onset Of Alzheimer’s Disease

BOSTON, MA (ANI) – Researchers conducted a detailed study to identify which diets are effective in lowering the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, with their findings published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

The study highlights that the role of nutrition in reducing Alzheimer’s risk has been extensively researched. It was found that plant-based diets, such as the Mediterranean diet and traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Indian cuisines, are particularly effective in lowering this risk when compared to the Western diet. Notably, Alzheimer’s disease rates tend to rise in countries adopting the Western diet.

The study identifies several dementia risk factors, including higher consumption of saturated fats, meat (especially red meat like hamburgers and barbecue), processed meats (such as hot dogs), and ultra-processed foods high in sugar and refined grains. It explains why certain foods increase or reduce Alzheimer’s risk.

For instance, meat raises dementia risk by increasing factors such as inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, saturated fat, advanced glycation end products, and trimethylamine N-oxide. Conversely, foods protective against Alzheimer’s include green leafy vegetables, colorful fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains.

Ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes, which are themselves risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. These foods often lack the beneficial components found in whole plant foods, such as anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants.

Poverty is noted as a significant driver of Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S., as ultra-processed foods and meat are cheaper sources of energy compared to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other more nutritious foods, thus promoting obesity.

Additionally, the paper projects that Alzheimer’s disease rates in the U.S. will increase by 50% from 2018 levels by 2038. This projection is based on trends in obesity compared with trends in Alzheimer’s disease.