Sugar Increases The Risk Of Dementia

Author: Mark Velov Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

In this article, learn more about Sugar Increases The Risk Of Dementia. They are thought to inhibit glucose metabolism..

Older people who eat a lot of sugar and other carbohydrates are four times more likely to develop dementia, according to a new study. Researchers have found that those who eat more protein and fat at the expense of carbohydrates have a lower risk of cognitive decline.

A balanced diet is important because each of the main nutrients - proteins, carbohydrates and fats, performs important functions in the body.

The researchers tracked the eating habits of 1,230 people between the ages of 70 and 89 for 12 months. At the same time, they assess their cognitive function with the help of an expert panel of doctors, nurses and neurologists. Of all participants in the study, 940 people did not show any decrease in mental abilities during the control period. They continue to collaborate with researchers in the future. Four years after the study ended, 200 of them began to show signs of moderate cognitive decline, impaired memory, verbal and mental retardation above the average for this age.

Statistical analysis shows that those who ate the most carbohydrates had an average of 1.9 times higher risk of moderate mental damage than the group with the lowest carbohydrate intake. On the other hand, high fat intake reduces the risk by 42% compared to low, and high protein intake - by 21%. If the total effect of fat and protein intake is taken into account, it turns out that consuming large amounts of carbohydrates is at 3.6 times higher risk.

According to Rosebud Roberts, author of the study, this may be due to an effect on glucose metabolism from high carbohydrate intake. Glucose is a fuel for the brain, so moderate intake is necessary. However, its high intake may prevent the brain from absorbing it - a situation somewhat similar to that of type II diabetes .

The study was published in the Journal of Alzheimer's disease.

Sugar Increases The Risk Of Dementia

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