A new study published in the
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has identified a possible link between diets high in carbohydrates and Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia and one of the top ten causes of death for people over 60.\n\n
The study: an overview
\nOver the course of four years, researchers looked into the eating habits of 940 mentally healthy participants aged 70 to 89. All participants followed through with cognitive evaluations by physician specialists and neuropsychologists.\n\nAfter their final evaluation, it was found that of the 940 participants in the study, 200 had developed some form of cognitive impairment within a level that was not average for this age group.\n\nThe researchers then looked into the diets of the participants, finding that those who had developed cognitive problems were the ones that had the most carbohydrates in relation to proteins and healthy fats in their diets.\n\nPrevious research has already identified a direct connection between diabetes and Alzheimer ’s disease, but until now it has been unclear whether an overabundance of carbohydrates in a diet – even in the absence of diabetes – will still create a pathway to Alzheimer’s. This study suggests it does.\n\n
Understanding the results
\nBut why would a diet high in carbs cause Alzheimer’s?\n\nOne of the common causes of Alzheimer’s disease is when a certain kind of plaque, called Abeta plaque, attaches itself to the brain. This plaque develops over time during a heightened state of blood sugar, and can build up in the veins, arteries and the brain.\n\nWe know that people who consume high amounts of carbohydrates have increased blood sugar. This is because the body eventually turns carbohydrates into sugar. If the body receives a constant intake of sugar and simple carbohydrates (which turn almost immediately into sugar), it develops difficulties in releasing enough insulin, thus forcing the sugar to remain in the bloodstream. This causes the Abeta plaque in the brain.\n\n
What you can do to stay healthy
\nTo keep your brain healthy and reduces chances of Alzheimer’s, avoid excess sugar and carbohydrates. A diet of protein and natural fats is also important. One of the best sources of natural fats is found in fish, which have high Omega 3 levels. If you’re not a fan of seafood, you can add fish oil to your diet through supplements, which you can buy at your local health store.\n\n
