Opting for more plant-based foods and less meat could lower the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder marked by alterations in brain chemistry, resulting in the formation of specific protein deposits. This condition leads to brain atrophy and eventual neuronal loss. As the primary cause of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease prompts a gradual deterioration in cognitive function, affecting memory, cognition, behavior, and interpersonal abilities, ultimately impacting an individual’s everyday functioning.

The initial symptoms of the illness involve an inability to recall recent events or conversations. As the condition advances, it leads to significant memory impairment and an inability to carry out daily activities.

Medications have the potential to enhance or delay the advancement of symptoms. Additionally, programs and services are available to provide assistance to individuals with the condition and their caregivers.

Alzheimer’s disease has no cure. In advanced stages, profound deterioration of brain function may lead to dehydration, malnutrition, or infection, potentially resulting in mortality.

Diet has recently garnered attention as a potential factor that could either mitigate or elevate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

• While medications can help alleviate Alzheimer’s symptoms, the disease remains incurable at present.

• Diet represents one of numerous lifestyle factors that may either lessen or heighten the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s.

• A recent, comprehensive evaluation has concluded that plant-based diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, are most effective in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s.

• Furthermore, the evaluation highlights that the typical Western diet, characterized by high meat consumption, saturated fat, and ultra-processed foods, raises the risk of Alzheimer’s.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia impacts over 55 million individuals globally, with approximately 10 million new cases reported annually.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, accounts for approximately 70% of cases.

Various risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other dementias include:

Advancing age, Family history and genetic predisposition, Head injury, Elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Smoking, Excessive alcohol consumption.

Can poor diet be linked to dementia?

Based on ecological studies, researchers have identified a strong correlation between meat consumption and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s. Their findings suggest that meat consumption may represent the most significant dietary risk factor for Alzheimer’s.

William B. Grant, Ph.D., study author and independent researcher at the Nutrition and Health Research Center in San Francisco, explained to Medical News Today the potential reasons why meat may have this impact:

“Red and processed meat can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s through various mechanisms, including the presence of iron, which raises oxidative stress, and methionine, contributing to elevated homocysteine levels – a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, the high-temperature cooking of meat generates advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are associated with multiple neuropathological and biochemical aspects of Alzheimer’s, such as extensive protein crosslinking, glial induction of oxidative stress, and neuronal cell death. Additionally, red meat serves as a notable source of Arachidonic acid, known to be pro-inflammatory.”

What dietary approach is most effective for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?

The best dietary approach for preventing Alzheimer’s has been studied through various dietary patterns, including the Western diet, Mediterranean diet, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, and MIND diet.

Western diet

The Western diet is characterized by a high consumption of foods that are rich in calories but low in essential nutrients, including fast foods, soft drinks, and highly processed foods. These items are additionally abundant in added sugars, salt, and saturated fats.

Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet promotes the consumption of grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and fish, along with limited quantities of meat, eggs, dairy, and alcohol.

DASH diet

The DASH diet also promotes the consumption of low-fat dairy products. Both recommend restricting the intake of saturated fats, red meat, and sugars.

MIND diet

The MIND diet incorporates elements from these two eating systems, with a specific emphasis on providing daily and weekly recommendations for various food groups.

“The study indicates that following a diet in line with the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which prioritizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains while minimizing red meat, saturated fats, and heavily processed foods, is linked to a reduced likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease”.

“Individuals with elevated beta-amyloid levels in the brain, a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, tend to exhibit increased levels of gut bacteria linked to brain inflammation. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether these changes are linked to the cognitive decline associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s.”

Can inflammation contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s has been identified as having inflammation as a central mechanism. This is because inflammation can lead to the buildup of amyloid beta plaque aggregates and tau hyperphosphorylation, causing neuronal loss. Inflammation tends to increase with age, a phenomenon known as Inflammaging, which involves systemic chronic low-grade age-related inflammation.

On the other hand, diets that are rich in plant-based foods have been shown to decrease inflammation.

Foods such as green leafy vegetables, vibrant fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease. These food items are rich in anti-inflammatory components and antioxidants, which can potentially mitigate the risk factors linked to Alzheimer’s.

Lifestyle Factors for Reducing Alzheimer’s Risk

Although the study has highlighted diet as a pivotal element in Alzheimer’s risk, other adjustable lifestyle factors can also contribute to decreasing the likelihood of developing this type of dementia.”

“Physical activity enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factors, which aid in short-term memory. Managing stress and anxiety can improve cognition,” noted Dr. Blake.

Dr. MacSweeney concurred: “It is crucial to recognize that while diet seems to be a significant factor. Other lifestyle elements like physical exercise, mental engagement. And social connections also play essential roles in overall brain health and could impact the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Nevertheless, it is essential to emphasize the significance of seeking guidance from. Healthcare professionals to receive personalized advice tailored to individual health conditions and requirements before implementing any dietary and lifestyle modifications.