2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Alzheimer's disease is more common in the elderly, but it is not a normal part of aging. As the world's population increases, the rate of Alzheimer's is expected to increase from 36 million to 115 million by 2050.
The final cause of Alzheimer's disease is still unknown. What we do know is that the brain of an Alzheimer's sufferer develops an abnormal accumulation of protein that interferes with neurological signals. This causes brain cell death, leading to progressive and irreversible damage.
Recent research and the media show that diabetes and obesity are contributing to the growing spread of Alzheimer's disease. How strong is this connection?
Type 2 diabetes
Studies show that the risk of Alzheimer's increases 1.6 times more in people with type 2 diabetes. In fact, Alzheimer's disease shares the same risk factors as type 2 diabetes and heart disease such as obesity and insulin resistance. And like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, Alzheimer's disease is now considered a chronic disease, not a disease of the elderly. Large population-based studies show that improvements in diabetes control and cardiovascular health, combined with physical activity and better diet, reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. But that doesn't mean that obesity and diabetes cause Alzheimer's disease. Although the presence of diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, these diseases occur independently.
Clinical evidence
A 2005 study found that the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease had reduced insulin levels. And studies of high-fat, high-sugar mice showed signs of both Alzheimer's disease and insulin resistance. Numerous studies since then have shown that Alzheimer's disease and insulin resistance coexist.
Brain contraction has been reported in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The putative link between Alzheimer's disease and insulin resistance indicates the role of insulin in normal brain function. Insulin regulates glucose metabolism (the key brain fuel), as well as many other chemical processes important for memory and cognitive function. In type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance in the muscles and liver is thought to lead to toxic fats called ceramides. Ceramides are produced in the liver of people with type 2 diabetes and travel to the brain, causing brain insulin resistance, inflammation and cell death. These findings led researchers to study the effects of insulin therapy. Four months of intranasal insulin therapy in 104 adults with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease showed improved memory and functional ability.
Diet - obesity - the Alzheimer's relationship
Epidemiological studies may find a link between an unhealthy diet and Alzheimer's disease through this theory of insulin resistance. So, a poor diet can contribute to cognitive decline and dementia.
A diet high in saturated fat is associated with insulin resistance. A diet with a high glycemic index leads to high blood sugar in people with glucose intolerance. Excessive consumption of high-calorie foods leads to weight gain and abdominal obesity leads to increased levels of chronic inflammation, which can affect brain tissue. Despite the difficulties that epidemiological studies have in establishing causal relationships, it is important to note other factors in poor diet. Poor diet can lead to anemia, which can affect cognition and memory.
Elevated levels of homocysteine from low folic acid intake also cause inflammation.
Proof of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet
A recent systematic review of 11 prospective studies around the world examines the link between the Mediterranean diet and cognitive decline (including Alzheimer's disease). It shows an almost 50% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Study participants who already had Alzheimer's disease had a 73% lower risk of dying from the disease.
Obesity-related diseases are on the rise. And a recent meta-analysis involving 1.5 million people and 35 studies worldwide shows that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet has a 13% lower risk of dying from neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
A Mediterranean diet can protect against Alzheimer's disease because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components such as long-chain omega-3 fatty acids; carotenoids and flavonoids found in vegetables and fresh fruits, as well as polyphenols in wine, legumes and nuts.
Possible treatment
The rapid rise of Alzheimer's disease is like a mental health tsunami and has a rapid response. There are currently a number of promising medical treatments, including an intranasal insulin spray that reduces cognitive decline and improves memory in a small experience of Alzheimer's sufferers.
Another treatment includes a vaccine that stimulates the immune system to attack toxic amyloid proteins in the brain. Other treatments include strengthening the immune system and genetic manipulation, which enhances the growth of nerve factors, regenerates damaged brain tissue.
Experts report that all of these medical treatments are more likely to be effective in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
The challenge in combating this debilitating disease is early detection, or better yet, prevention. Although many dietary supplement trials have had inconsistent results, there is strong evidence that diet and lifestyle play a major role in prevention or delay. There is some hope from ongoing research on the benefits of omega-3 fats, flavonoids such as quercetin found in onions, and many other plant foods, as well as some culinary spices such as curcumin from turmeric, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties. If the link between obesity and Alzheimer's disease is proven, the logical way to reduce the risk and delay the onset is through a holistic approach to diet.
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