How Diet Impacts Alzheimer’s and Dementia

In honor of World Alzheimer’s Day, let’s explore the brain mechanisms behind cognitive impairment and decline. Once we understand what is occurring in the brain, then we know how to prevent and combat Alzheimer’s and dementia.

A healthy diet and lifestyle is key for maintaining brain health. Decades of research confirm that what we eat and our eating habits directly influences brain function. But how is it that a healthy diet can help prevent brain and memory illnesses? It starts on a cellular level. Everything that we consume impacts our bodies as it breaks down to fuel our systems. Food intake influences brain chemistry and neural function. The human brain is more complex than the most advanced computer, and it requires nutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals, and caloric energy. When the brain does not receive those important forms of nourishment, it will not function at its best. If this goes on for a long period of time, then the brain is susceptible to developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. This occurs when neuron brain cells do not transmit ‘messages’ (electric currents) properly, or sometimes they stop altogether. What happens is that the ends of neurons become tangled, which inhibit communication between the cells and causes the brain to shrink. Other factors that contribute to cognitive decline are lack of blood to the brain and oxidative stress to the cells.

So when the proper nutrients, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and calories are provided, the brain cells can do their job best. When we eat a healthy diet, all of the systems in our bodies work better, including the vascular system, which helps pump blood to and within the brain.

Eating foods that are high in antioxidants helps reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is essentially the aging process. Your body constantly reacts with oxygen as you breathe and your cells produce energy. As a consequence of this activity, highly reactive molecules (free radicals) are produced. Free radicals are toxins that damage our cell membranes, and lead to inflammation. Inflammation in the brain means that plaque material builds up and makes it difficult for neurons to communicate.

What should you avoid? Inflammatory diet patterns that are high in sugar, refined carbs, unhealthy fats and processed foods can contribute to impaired memory and learning, as well as increase your risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Foods to avoid include sugary drinks like soda, processed cheese like American cheese or cheez whiz, aspartame, processed meats including deli meats and bacon, microwave popcorn, and fast food.

Alcohol can cause massive damage to the brain when consumed in large quantities. (But, if alcohol is drunk in moderation – like a glass of red wine a few times a week, it can be beneficial for health) Also, mercury found in seafood can be neurotoxic and permanently damage developing brains.