Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that affects millions of people around the world. While there is no known cure, there are certain lifestyle habits that can help reduce your risk of developing the disease. One of the most common habits that can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s is eating the wrong foods. In this article, we will discuss how certain foods can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s and what you should be eating instead. We will also provide tips on how to make healthier food choices to reduce your risk of developing this devastating condition.
This Common Habit Makes Your Alzheimer’s Risk Soar — Eat This Not That
It’s no secret that what you eat can have a major impact on your health. But did you know that certain dietary habits can increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease?
A recent study published in the journal Neurology found that people who ate a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who ate a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
The study looked at the dietary habits of more than 1,000 people over the age of 65. Those who ate a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who ate a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
The researchers concluded that eating a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. So, if you want to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to eat a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Instead of eating foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as red meat, butter, and full-fat dairy products, opt for healthier alternatives. Choose lean proteins, such as fish, skinless poultry, and beans. Opt for low-fat dairy products, such as skim milk and low-fat yogurt. And choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
By making these simple dietary changes, you can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and improve your overall health.
Nearly 6 million people live with Alzheimer’s disease, which is defined as “a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks,” by the National Institute on Aging. While younger people can get Alzheimer’s, it is more common to start noticing signs after age 60. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states, “The number of people living with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. This number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060.” As of now there is no cure and researchers are still learning about the various causes of the disease, but there are certain lifestyle choices that can lead to Alzheimer’s. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who explained what habits can increase the risk of getting Alzheimer’s. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs COVID is Hurting You—Even After a Negative Test.
Percy Griffin, Ph.D., Director of Scientific Engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association explains, “Research on lifestyle factors that affect an individual’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s is inconclusive. However, smoking, lack of exercise, lack of mental stimulation, not protecting your head, eating a diet poor in nutrients, poor control of blood pressure, not treating depression and lack of socializing are all habits that may contribute to higher risk.”
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Dr. Sam Zand, psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer of Better U says “Living a passive lifestyle. Continuously binge watching television or mindlessly repeating daily tasks can slow down our brain’s regenerative abilities.”
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“Staying up late on the smartphone, not taking the time to relax, and having a disruptive morning awakening can all negatively affect our brain’s ability to heal and grow properly,” Dr. Zand states.
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According to Dr. Zand, “The widow who passed shortly after their loved one has much to do with underutilizing the brain’s ability to adapt. Without any purpose, whatever that may be, our brain is uninspired and underactive.”
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Griffin explains, “The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is age. After age 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s doubles every five years. After age 85, the risk reaches nearly one-third.”
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“Another common risk factor is genetics,” says Griffin. “Those who have a direct relative like a parent, brother or sister with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease. There are also risk genes that increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s, but do not guarantee it will happen. APOE-e4 is the first risk gene identified and remains the gene with strongest impact on risk. Different from risk genes, there are also deterministic genes that — while incredibly rare — guarantee that people with these genes will develop Alzheimer’s.”
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Griffin says, “Researchers believe there isn’t a single cause of Alzheimer’s disease. It likely develops from multiple factors, such as genetics, lifestyle and environment. Alzheimer’s disease leads to nerve cell death and tissue loss throughout the brain. Over time, the brain shrinks dramatically, affecting nearly all its functions. Scientists are not absolutely sure what causes cell death and tissue loss in the Alzheimer’s brain, but amyloid plaques – abnormal clusters of protein fragments outside brain cells – and tau tangles – twisted strands of another protein inside brain cells – are prime suspects.” And to live your healthiest life, don’t miss this life-saving advice I’m a Doctor and Here’s the #1 Sign You Have Cancer.