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Memory and dementia — can diet protect the brain from Alzheimer’s?

Sources: 10 · Article: 13 800 characters

Paul Clayton points out that ultra-processed foods are linked to a faster decline in mental ability, and that a low-calorie ketogenic diet may be beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease.

  • In a 14-year study, people who ate the most ultra-processed foods lost cognitive and executive function more quickly.
  • Paul Clayton also links diet to gut flora and inflammation, which may matter for the brain.

What the authors write

Paul Clayton

People who ate the most ultra-processed foods experienced a faster decline in cognitive and executive function than those who ate the least.

„Among 15,105 people followed in the ongoing 14-year ELSA-Brasil longitudinal study, those who consumed the largest amounts of ultra-processed foods had a 28 percent faster rate of global cognitive decline and a 25 percent faster rate of decline in executive function than those who ate the least.”Wśród 15 105 osób śledzonych w trwającym obecnie 14 lat badaniu podłużnym ELSA-Brasil ci, którzy spożywali największe ilości ultraprzetworzonej żywności, mieli o 28 proc. szybsze tempo globalnego spadku funkcji poznawczych i o 25 proc. szybsze tempo spadku funkcji wykonawczych w porównaniu z tymi, którzy jedli jej najmniej.
Paul Clayton

Paul Clayton names a highly processed diet, along with the obesity and diabetes associated with it, as factors that contribute to dementia.

„Likewise, our highly processed diet (40–43) and the resulting epidemics of obesity and diabetes among adults (44, 45). The COVID-related lockdowns, which caused a predictable rise in diabetes cases (46, 47), will provide another downward blow.”Podobnie jak nasza wysoko przetworzona dieta (40–43) i wynikające z niej epidemie otyłości i cukrzycy wśród dorosłych (44, 45). Lockdowny związane z COVID-em, które spowodowały przewidywalny wzrost zachorowań na cukrzycę (46, 47), zapewnią kolejne strącenie w dół.
Paul Clayton

Paul Clayton says that low-calorie versions of the ketogenic diet have proved beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease.

„The diet best known for raising the seizure threshold is not a high-fiber diet, but a low-fiber ketogenic diet, low-calorie versions of which have also proved beneficial for multiple sclerosis (31) and Alzheimer’s disease (32).”Dieta najlepiej znana z podnoszenia progu drgawkowego nie jest dietą bogatą w błonnik, ale dietą ketogeniczną o niskiej zawartości błonnika, której niskokaloryczne wersje okazały się również sprzyjające stwardnieniu rozsianemu (31) i chorobie Alzheimera (32).
Paul Clayton

Gut flora may affect the brain and may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

„From autism (1) to emotional well-being (2), many aspects of personality (3), mood and anxiety disorders (4), and neurodegenerative diseases such as parkinsonism (5) and perhaps Alzheimer’s disease (6), it is entirely clear that the flora in our gut has a major short- and long-term impact on our brain and our artificially isolated sense of self.”Od autyzmu (1) do dobrego samopoczucia emocjonalnego (2), wielu aspektów osobowości (3), zaburzeń afektywnych i lękowych (4) oraz chorób neurodegeneracyjnych, takich jak parkinsonizm (5) i być może choroba Alzheimera (6) – jest całkowicie jasne, że flora w naszych jelitach ma duży krótko- i długoterminowy wpływ na nasz mózg i sztucznie odizolowaną jaźń.
Paul Clayton

Paul Clayton writes that a highly processed, pro-inflammatory diet can disrupt the brain development of babies before birth and make them more vulnerable to neurodevelopmental problems.

„Scientists have already shown that a highly processed, pro-inflammatory diet disrupts the normal development of babies’ brains in the womb, making them vulnerable to neurodevelopmental problems. New preclinical research suggests that diet-induced changes to the neurons’ “wiring” may also make these children more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia later in life (26, 27).”Naukowcy wykazali już, że wysoko przetworzona, prozapalna dieta zaburza normalny rozwój mózgów niemowląt w macicy, czyniąc je podatnymi na problemy neurorozwojowe. Nowe badania przedkliniczne sugerują, że zmiana „okablowania” neuronów wywołana dietą może również sprawić, że te dzieci będą bardziej podatne na: lęki, depresję i schizofrenię w późniejszym życiu (26, 27).
Paul Clayton

Paul Clayton points out that the lack of plant-based xenohormetins in today’s highly processed diet may contribute to the crisis he writes about.

„The lack of plant-derived xenohormetins in today’s highly processed diet may contribute to our crisis. It turns out that, when faced with threats and environmental deterioration, plants can produce substances that prepare them for stressors, known as so-called”Brak ksenohormetyków pochodzenia roślinnego w dzisiejszej diecie wysokoprzetworzonej może się przyczyniać do naszego kryzysu. Okazuje się, że — w przypadku zagrożenia i pogorszenia kondycji środowiska — rośliny są w stanie produkować substancje, które przygotowują je na czynniki stresogenne, właśnie tzw.
Paul Clayton

Paul Clayton recommends changing your diet as a way to protect your brain cells.

„If this is not where you are heading, take a moment to read the safety instructions in my book, Good Nutrition Is Your Best Medicine, change your dietary path, and protect your brain cells (91). References are available on the author’s website: https://drpaulclayton.eu/blog/controlled-flight-into-terrain/”Jeśli nie jest to miejsce, do którego zmierzasz, poświęć chwilę na zapoznanie się z instrukcjami bezpieczeństwa zawartymi w mojej książce pt. Dobre odżywianie twoim najlepszym lekarstwem, zmień swoją ścieżkę żywieniową i zabezpiecz swoje komórki mózgowe (91). Bibliografia dostępna na stronie autora: https://drpaulclayton.eu/blog/controlled-flight-into-terrain/

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 5 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 3 227.

A meta-analysis found that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Aim of the study: Dementia affects 5-8% of the population aged over 65 years (~50 million worldwide). Several factors are associated with increased risk, including diet. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has shown potential protective effects against several chronic diseases. This systematic review with meta-analysis aim was to assess the association between adherence to the MedDiet and the risk of dementia in the elderly.

Results: Out of 682 records, 21 were included in the analysis. The pooled OR was 0.89 (95% CI = 0.84-0.94) based on 65,955 participants (I2 = 69.94). When only cohort studies were included, HR was 0.84 (95% CI = 0.76-0.94) based on 55,205 participants (I2 = 89.70). When only Alzheimer Disease was considered OR was 0.73 (95% CI = 0.62-0.85) based on 38,292 participants (I2 = 63.85). Adherence to MedDiet could be an effective non-pharmacological measure to reduce the burden of dementia, even among elderly.

Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Università degli Studi di Milano
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In an observational study, greater adherence to the MIND, DASH, and Mediterranean diets was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Aim of the study: In a previous study, higher concordance to the MIND diet, a hybrid Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, was associated with slower cognitive decline. In this study we related these three dietary patterns to incident Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Results: In adjusted proportional hazards models, the second (hazards ratio or HR = 0.65, 95% confidence interval or CI 0.44, 0.98) and highest tertiles (HR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.26, 0.76) of MIND diet scores had lower rates of AD versus tertile 1, whereas only the third tertiles of the DASH (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.38, 0.97) and Mediterranean (HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.26, 0.79) diets were associated with lower AD rates.

Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · National Institute on Aging, NIA NIH HHS
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyobservation of people
Participants923

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review found that the Mediterranean diet, nutritional support, and calorie-controlled diets may protect against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Aim of the study: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive functional loss of neurons in the brain, causing cognitive impairment and motoneuron disability. Although multifactorial interactions are evident, nutrition plays an essential role in the pathogenesis and evolution of these diseases.

Results: MeDiet, nutritional support, and calorie-controlled diets play a protective effect against cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD) while malnutrition and insulin resistance represent significant risk factors. Malnutrition activates also the gut-microbiota-brain axis dysfunction that exacerbate neurogenerative process. Omega-3 and -6, and the vitamins supplementation seem to be less effective in protecting neuron degeneration. Insulin activity is a prevalent factor contributing to brain health while malnutrition correlated with the higher development of dementia and mortality.

Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review found that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease in most longitudinal studies.

Aim of the study: As there is currently no cure for dementia, there is an urgent need for preventive strategies. The current review provides an overview of the existing evidence examining the associations of the Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diets and their dietary components with cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Results: However, higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of AD in 1 case-control study and 6 of 8 longitudinal studies. Moreover, higher adherence to the DASH or MIND diets was associated with a lower AD risk in 1 longitudinal study. With respect to the components of these dietary patterns, olive oil may be associated with less cognitive decline. In conclusion, current scientific evidence suggests that higher adherence to the Mediterranean, DASH, or MIND diets is associated with less cognitive decline and a lower risk of AD, where the strongest associations are observed for the MIND diet.

Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review suggests that the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets may have a beneficial effect on the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Aim of the study: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disease that is becoming a major health problem in today's world due to the aging population. Despite it being widely known that diet has a significant impact on the prevention and progression of Alzheimer's disease, the literature data are still scarce and controversial.

Results: Despite it being widely known that diet has a significant impact on the prevention and progression of Alzheimer's disease, the literature data are still scarce and controversial. The application of the principles of rational nutrition for the elderly is suggested for Alzheimer's disease. The diet should be rich in neuroprotective nutrients, i.e., antioxidants, B vitamins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Some studies suggest that diets such as the Mediterranean diet, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, and the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet have a beneficial effect on the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Perspectives and opinion materials

The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Mediterranean diet key to dementia battle, PM told. UK Department of Health (2013) G8 dementia summit concludes with international agreement to work together. 3. The G8 dementia summit declaration. 4. Sano M, Ernesto C, Thomas RG, Klauber MR, et al. (1997) A controlled trial of selegiline, alpha-tocopherol, or both as treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study. N Engl J Med. 336(17):1216-1222. Petersen RC, Thomas RG, Grundman M, et al (2005) Vitamin E and donepezil for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment. N Engl J Med. 352(23):2379-2388. Dysken MW, Sano M, Asthana S, et al.”Mediterranean diet key to dementia battle, PM told. UK Department of Health (2013) G8 dementia summit concludes with international agreement to work together. 3. The G8 dementia summit declaration. 4. Sano M, Ernesto C, Thomas RG, Klauber MR, et al. (1997) A controlled trial of selegiline, alpha-tocopherol, or both as treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study. N Engl J Med. 336(17):1216-1222. Petersen RC, Thomas RG, Grundman M, et al (2005) Vitamin E and donepezil for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment. N Engl J Med. 352(23):2379-2388. Dysken MW, Sano M, Asthana S, et al.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Those with a healthy diet were about seven times less likely to have age-related cognitive decline or dementia than those with an 'average' diet and about nine times less likely to develop dementia than those with an unfavorable diet. The assessment of a healthy diet was based on intake of fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and tea, among other foods known to predict lower risk. B vitamins modify methylation of genes linked to dementia Other Alzheimer's related genes affect a process called methylation. Healthy methylation depends on adequate B vitamin intake, primarily B6, B12 and folate.”Those with a healthy diet were about seven times less likely to have age-related cognitive decline or dementia than those with an 'average' diet and about nine times less likely to develop dementia than those with an unfavorable diet. The assessment of a healthy diet was based on intake of fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and tea, among other foods known to predict lower risk. B vitamins modify methylation of genes linked to dementia Other Alzheimer's related genes affect a process called methylation. Healthy methylation depends on adequate B vitamin intake, primarily B6, B12 and folate.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„David Perlmutter, a member of the expert group, who believes that diet and lifestyle, much more than genes, is driving the increase in Alzheimer's. Family physician Dr. Mark Hyman agrees. "The science is clear - food is the most powerful medicine we have to prevent, reverse, and even treat dementia." The next big challenge is to discover which combination of changes have the most impact. This is currently being investigated by the Alzheimer's prevention not-for-profit group foodforthebrain.org.”David Perlmutter, a member of the expert group, who believes that diet and lifestyle, much more than genes, is driving the increase in Alzheimer's. Family physician Dr. Mark Hyman agrees. "The science is clear - food is the most powerful medicine we have to prevent, reverse, and even treat dementia." The next big challenge is to discover which combination of changes have the most impact. This is currently being investigated by the Alzheimer's prevention not-for-profit group foodforthebrain.org.

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