Introduction
As we age, our risk of developing dementia increases. But did you know that there is a common habit that can significantly increase your risk of developing dementia? Eating certain foods can have a major impact on your risk of developing dementia, while other foods can help protect your brain health. In this article, we will discuss which foods you should eat and which foods you should avoid in order to reduce your risk of developing dementia. We will also discuss how making simple changes to your diet can help protect your brain health and reduce your risk of developing dementia.
This Common Habit Makes Your Dementia 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 dementia?
A recent study published in the journal Neurology found that people who ate a diet high in saturated fat and low in healthy fats, such as those found in fish, nuts, and olive oil, were more likely to develop dementia than those who ate a healthier diet.
The study followed more than 5,000 people over the age of 65 for an average of seven years. During that time, those who ate a diet high in saturated fat and low in healthy fats were more than twice as 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, processed meats, and sugary snacks, were more likely to develop dementia than those who ate a healthier diet.
So what can you do to reduce your risk of developing dementia? The best way is to eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and high in healthy fats, such as those found in fish, nuts, and olive oil. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is also important, as is limiting your intake of processed foods.
By making these simple changes to your diet, you can help reduce your risk of developing dementia and keep your brain healthy for years to come.
Dementia is a syndrome that leads to the deterioration of cognitive functions such as memory, the ability to think and learning capabilities. According to the World Health Organization: “Worldwide, around 55 million people have dementia, with over 60% living in low- and middle-income countries. As the proportion of older people in the population is increasing in nearly every country, this number is expected to rise to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.” While experts are still learning about dementia, doctors do know why some people are at a greater risk than others for getting the disorder. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Dr. Santoshi Billakota, MD, an Adult Neurologist Epileptologist and Clinical Assistant Professor within the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine who revealed behaviors that increase the risk. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
According to Dr. Billakota, “Sleep is the prime time for your brain to reset and consolidate information and memory. Without adequate sleep, the brain cannot store memory adequately. Lack of sleep can also lead to confusion and irritability, which can make learning new tasks/things or remembering tasks difficult. Short-term memory can be affected and over time, long term memory.”
Dr. Billakota says, “not getting enough exercise,” can heighten your risk of getting dementia. “Cardiovascular exercise (swimming, walking, jogging) for at least 30 minutes a day can increase blood flow to the brain. This can lead to better brain health and also help protect the brain. Those who do not exercise or lead a very sedentary lifestyle, can be at risk of dementia due to this.”
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Dr. Billakota explains, “There is a higher correlation with people who smoke tobacco and use alcohol regularly than those who do not. The reasoning is that both habits contribute to atherosclerotic disease of the small blood vessels which feed the brain. Consequently, this can reduce blood flow to the brain and contribute to dementia.”
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Dr. Billakota says, “There is currently no cure for dementia as it is almost impossible to reverse the process. As we cannot grow new brain cells, once dementia has been identified the best mode of action is to start the patient on medications to slow the process down. In addition to that, healthy eating, drinking and sleeping (lifestyle changes) can help protect brain health.”
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“It is time to seek help when you notice you or a loved one has a precipitous decline in both short and long term memory, changes in personality or mood,” Dr. Billakota states. “For example, if someone has trouble with daily tasks (driving, getting lost in familiar neighborhoods, balancing a checkbook, cooking, grocery shopping etc.) In addition, someone with dementia can have new psychotic, obsessive or paranoid behaviors, which can be very concerning. If you notice anything such as this, please seek help immediately!” And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.