Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that affects millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age, but there are certain lifestyle choices that can increase your risk even further. According to doctors, one of the most dangerous things you can do is to make unhealthy dietary choices. Eating the wrong foods can significantly increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, while eating the right foods can help to reduce your risk. In this article, we’ll look at the foods you should be eating to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s, as well as the foods you should avoid.
Your Alzheimer’s Risk Increases Dangerously By Doing This Say Doctors — Eat This Not That
Doctors are warning that your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases dangerously if you don’t make the right dietary choices. According to recent research, eating certain foods can increase your risk of developing the disease, while avoiding others can help reduce it.
The study, published in the journal Neurology, found that people who ate a diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who ate a diet low in these fats. The researchers also found that people who ate a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fish were less likely to develop the disease.
The researchers concluded that eating a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, and fish, can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
So what should you eat to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s? The researchers recommend eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish, and low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. They also suggest avoiding processed and fried foods, as well as sugary drinks and snacks.
Making these dietary changes can help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and may even help slow its progression if you already have it. So if you want to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, start making healthier dietary choices today.
An estimated 6.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which the Alzheimer’s Association defines as “a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.” The neurologic disorder mostly affects people over the age of 65 and the exact cause is unknown but according to the National Institute on Aging, “Scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease in most people. The causes probably include a combination of age-related changes in the brain, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.” While there is currently no cure, there are bad habits that increase your risk and Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who share ways to help prevent early onset. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Theodore Strange, Chair of Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital says, “Alcohol taken in excess for a prolonged period increases risk of dementia.”
Sean Marchese, MS, RN, a registered nurse at The Mesothelioma Center with a background in oncology clinical trials and over 15 years of direct patient care experience adds, “Binge drinking or having multiple alcoholic drinks daily can cause significant damage to brain cells over time, leading to memory loss and decreased motor and nervous system function. Memory loss caused by drinking is due to a thiamine deficiency known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and has a known link to Alzheimer’s. B1 supplements can reverse these effects if caught early enough, but if untreated, alcohol use can lead to permanent brain damage, severe confusion, visual impairment and a decreased ability to walk.”
Marchese tells us, “A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Physical inactivity can lead to chronic high blood pressure, cardiac disease and diabetes, all risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Regular exercise and movement improve blood circulation to the brain, providing the oxygen necessary for healthy brain cells. Malnourished brain cells constrict and can impact nerve function throughout the brain and body. Cardiovascular activities such as jogging, hiking or swimming improve heart health over time and lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.”
According to Marchese, “Healthy brain function is linked to regular mental stimulation and deep thinking exercises. Activities such as puzzles, wordplay, riddles and strategy games are fun and easy ways to exercise your mind daily. Even better, consider learning a new language or skill, such as playing an instrument. New skills are a great way to improve brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, plus they provide new opportunities for socializing.”
Dr. Strange explains, “Hearing loss can play a big role and increase the risk of dementia likely through social isolation and difficulties with everyday activities.”
Marchese tells us, “Isolation can damage brain health and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. People who have lost their spouse and then live alone for many years are at a higher risk of dementia-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s. Social isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic has left millions of people mentally drained with feelings of withdrawal and social anxiety. Finding ways to increase socialization through planned events or virtual meetups online can significantly benefit brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.”
Dr. Strange states, “An unhealthy diet high in saturated fat, sugar and salt can increase risk for developing dementia and obesity increases the risk of developing as well so weight loss is important.”
Marchese explains, “Two of our most basic habits are eating and sleeping, and there’s a reason they’re so crucial to brain health. A diet high in red meat, saturated fats and refined sugars can increase inflammation throughout the body and brain. Chronic inflammation can damage and destroy vital tissue in sensitive organs and brain cells. One recent study showed that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean protein reduces the risk of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Just as important as diet is a good night’s sleep. Seven to nine hours every night allows our body to recover and heal and the brain to develop long-term memory connections. Sufficient sleep ensures we have enough energy and focus for the day ahead and decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
Heather Newgen