Author: Victoria Aly
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
High-protein Atkins diets can have a negative effect on the structure of the brain, and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease in later life ...
High-protein Atkins diets undoubtedly help to lose a few extra pounds, but according to studies done by American scientists, they can negatively affect the structure of the brain, and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease at a later age.
A team of nutritionists. from Mount Sinai Medical Institute in New York, studied experimental mice fed according to some of the most modern diets, rich in protein and low in carbohydrates.
The researchers found that the brains of rodents on a high-protein diet were 5% lighter than normal, and that some of the memory-related areas in the brain were underdeveloped.
The study's author, Sam Gandhi, is not adamant that this type of diet has the same effect on people's brain structure. The results of research clearly show that dementia can be prevented or slowed down if a person eats well.
Nutritionists suggest that consuming large amounts of protein may make the brain more vulnerable to the toxic effects of beta-amyloid protein plaques. They are known to accelerate cell death and memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease, currently incurable, begins with short episodes of memory impairment, to severe loss of memory, accompanied by personality changes and inability to lead an independent life. Changes in the structure of brain cells are thought to begin years before the onset of any symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia.
It is known that the risk of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases is significantly reduced if the so-called Mediterranean diet is followed.
The Mediterranean type of diet includes fruits, vegetables, olive oil, limited presence of meat and high-fat dairy products, moderate dose of red wine.