Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of mortality in the United States. The cause has generally been regarded as a mystery, and could be genetic. We do know that some diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, are connected to what we eat. But Alzheimer’s has usually been considered to be unconnected to diet.
But this is beginning to change. New research suggests there may be a connection between what we eat and risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The research suggests that the disease could work via the same pathways that cause diabetes.
Improper insulin signaling that is caused by a diet high in low fiber carbohydrates is a major cause of insulin resistance. This is what often leads to type 2 diabetes. Insulin has usually been associated with keeping blood sugars at a normal level. But it also plays a role in brain signaling.
According to an animal study in 2012, researchers could induce dementia by causing disruptions in the correct signaling of insulin in the brain. The study suggests that what we eat could play a role in the development in Alzheimer’s disease. If that is true, then the promotion of low fat diets in past years could be linked to higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.
According to Ron Rosedale, Ph.D., who is an expert in low carb, high quality fat diets, eating fats and proteins of high quality is very important to prevent many diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
He thinks that our diets should consist largely of good unsaturated fats, followed by good proteins, such as whey protein, organic grass fed beef, organic eggs and wild caught salmon. He also maintains that the best options for high fiber carbs are fresh organic vegetables. Rosedale says that people should get 50-75% of their diet from high quality fats.
Rosedale also provides several helpful tips that he believes can help to avoid the disease:
- Limit fructose.
- Boost magnesium levels – it is believed that higher levels of magnesium in the brain can help people who already have the disease – it can actually reduce some symptoms.
- Increase vitamin D levels with more safe sun exposure .
- Eat a diet rich in folate – eat plenty of raw, fresh vegetables daily.
- Eat animal-based omega-3 fats in high quantities. High intake of omega-3 fats can help to prevent cell damage caused by Alzheimer’s.
- Eat blueberries – Blueberries are high in anthocyanidin and antioxidants, and are known to help to prevent the disease.
Alzheimer’s Dining Products
Redware Dishes
If your loved one already has developed Alzheimer’s, be sure that she continues to eat a healthy diet, rich in good fats, protein and vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables. To help make the eating process easier, we offer a wide range of dining products for Alzheimer’s patients: try our GripWare High Sided Dishes, Amefa Curved Built Up Handle Utensils, or Redware Dishes for Alzheimer’s Patients.
