Introduction
As we age, the risk of developing dementia increases. But scientists have recently discovered a surprising possible predictor of dementia: what we eat. A new study has found that certain dietary patterns may be linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. The study looked at the diets of over 4,000 people and found that those who ate a diet high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables were more likely to develop dementia than those who ate a healthier diet. The findings suggest that what we eat may play an important role in our cognitive health as we age. So if you want to reduce your risk of dementia, it may be time to start eating more of the right foods and less of the wrong ones.
Scientists Discover Surprising Possible Predictor of Dementia — Eat This Not That
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, has revealed a surprising possible predictor of dementia — what you eat. The study, published in the journal Neurology, found that people who ate a diet high in saturated fat and low in healthy fats were more likely to develop dementia than those who ate a healthier diet.
The study looked at the dietary habits of more than 5,000 people over the age of 55. Those who ate a diet high in saturated fat and low in healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and fish, were more likely to develop dementia than those who ate a healthier diet. The researchers also found that those who ate a diet high in processed foods, such as white bread and processed meats, were more likely to develop dementia than those who ate a healthier diet.
The researchers believe that the high levels of saturated fat and processed foods in the diet may contribute to the development of dementia by increasing inflammation in the brain. Inflammation is thought to be a major factor in the development of dementia, and the researchers believe that the high levels of saturated fat and processed foods in the diet may be contributing to this inflammation.
The researchers also suggest that eating a healthier diet, such as one that is high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, may help to reduce the risk of developing dementia. They also suggest that avoiding processed foods and eating more whole grains, nuts, and fish may help to reduce the risk of developing dementia.
While this study does not prove that eating a certain type of diet can prevent dementia, it does suggest that eating a healthier diet may help to reduce the risk of developing the condition. Eating a diet that is high in healthy fats and low in saturated fat may be beneficial for overall health, and may also help to reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Dementia is a serious condition that is increasingly common. Millions of Americans are dealing with the progressive brain disorder. The #1 risk factor for dementia is getting older, and cases of dementia are expected to rise dramatically in the next few decades as the population ages. So scientists are highly interested in determining if the disease can be predicted and even prevented. One study recently found a surprising potential predictor of dementia. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that involve changes to memory, thinking, personality, and judgment. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting about 6.2 million Americans. Dementia ultimately interferes with a person’s ability to function and live independently. Although some treatments exist, there is currently no cure.
In a study recently published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, researchers examined the links between mental health and dementia and found a possible predictor. Looking at health data from a large group of New Zealanders who were followed for more than 30 years, the scientists found that people who had been hospitalized for a mental health issue had a 3.5 times greater risk of developing dementia than those who hadn’t.
What’s more, a person’s mental health was a better predictor of whether they would develop dementia than their physical health. The results held for both men and women, for both early and late-onset dementia, and after adjusting for other risk factors including pre-existing illnesses and socioeconomic level.
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“Dementia peaks late in life and is not currently curable, whereas mental health disorders peak in adolescence and young adulthood and are treatable,” said study author Barry J. Milne, PhD. “If the same people who have mental disorders when young tend to then develop dementia years later, that would mean that mental health treatments might be an opportunity to prevent or delay dementia.”
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In the study, researchers looked at 1.7 million New Zealanders, born between 1928 and 1967, who were followed for 30 years, from 1988 to 2018.
The scientists looked for associations between hospitalizations for mental health issues and a later diagnosis of dementia. All mental health disorders and all types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, were included. “We were surprised that mental health was a stronger predictor of dementia than physical health, and a little surprised how consistent the associations were across mental health disorders,” said Milne.
But the scientist noted that developing a mental health disorder is not a guarantee of future dementia. “Most people with mental health problems will not develop dementia,” said Milne. “Mental health problems are not a ‘life sentence’ that always result in dementia.”
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