There is evidence to suggest a connection between high levels of sugar and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Controlling your sugar consumption early in life can lower your risk of developing.
Alzheimer’s is a neurological condition that affects how you think, recall, or complete daily tasks. This is the most prevalent type of dementia seen in older adults. However, you could begin to show biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease in your 30s.
Researchers have discovered a link between sugar levels and the formation of Alzheimer’s disease. This link is also applicable to the high blood sugar levels related to diabetes.
How much sugar you consume could affect your risk of getting sick or accelerate the onset of symptoms. Sometimes, a bit of sugar may help people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Here’s what you should be aware of to reduce the risk.
Sugar can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Consumption of high levels of sugar and elevated blood sugar levels could increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
One reason is that excessive sugar can lead to swelling. This can cause various chronic diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Recent research has highlighted the connection between high levels of sugar and Alzheimer’s disease.
A 2022 study by the Trusted Source that included 37,689 participants discovered a link between consumption of sugar and an increase in Alzheimer’s risk in women.
People who eat around 10 grams (2.4 teaspoons) of sugar daily have the highest risk of developing. Lactose, the type of sugar that is found in milk and dairy products, was the most significant connection to Alzheimer’s disease among the sugars studied.
Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels. It is also an indicator of risk for the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It may cause the development of amyloid plaques in the brain, which is a major characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. While researchers used to believe that this was only true for older people, they have now discovered that the risk of developing earlier.
A 2022 study conducted by Trusted Source comprising 4,932 individuals discovered that the connection between Alzheimer’s disease, high blood sugar levels, and high cholesterol could be evident as early as 35. Researchers monitored the participants over the years. They discovered that controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels early can help reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease later.
A less extensive 2022 study conducted by the Trusted Source also found that elevated blood sugar levels over a time of as little as one year could affect Alzheimer’s disease and the risk of developing dementia.
The study comprised 105 people who were healthy and cognitively fit at the beginning of this study. Researchers discovered that as the blood sugar levels in the fasting state increased, individuals were more likely to develop brain imaging indicators that indicate mental decline no matter their body mass or insulin levels.
In addition, the 2017 study conducted by the Trusted Source also revealed higher markers for Alzheimer’s disease among those who consumed greater levels of sugary drinks as well as fruit juice.
The study’s only drawback was that the participants were mostly white, and the results may not represent a wider sample of people.
Does sugar aggravate the effects of Alzheimer’s?
Sugar intake, especially when you have diabetes, can accelerate the process of developing dementia. This means that symptoms could appear earlier.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s are characterized by the following: Trusted Source:
- Trouble with memory
- struggling to solve problems
- mood and personality shifts
- poor hygiene
- social withdrawal from social
A small amount of sugar could be beneficial at times.
This is because people who are in the later levels of Alzheimer’s disease may have a loss of appetite, making it difficult to obtain the nutrients they require to remain healthy.
The Alzheimer’s Association suggests the addition of a small amount of salt or sugar to enhance the taste of food and improve nutritional intake.
Certain people should stick to diets that significantly reduce salt and sugar intake and should consult their doctor prior to adding more.
How can people who have Alzheimer’s cut down on sugar in their food?
A practical way to reduce sugar consumption is to limit or eliminate drinks that contain sugar. Studies have found a direct connection between drinks that contain sugar and a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s.
For example, a 2021 study conducted by the Trusted Source that tracked 1,865 people over 16 years discovered an increased risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s, various forms of dementia, and stroke in those who consumed the highest amount of sugar, in particular when it comes to drinks.
Other methods to lower the amount of the amount of sugarTrustedSource from your daily diet are:
- Reducing the amount of use of table sugar as well as sweeteners such as syrup, molasses, and honey. This is by cutting back on table sugar and sweeteners like syrup and molasse.
- Then, reduce the amount of sugar you’re adding by half and gradually decrease the amount you add by half and then decrease it.
- substituting sugar with extracts, spices, or spice
- It is a matter of comparing labels on nutrition and choosing products that have lower sugar content.
- Reducing the sugar content used in recipes or substituting it with a similar amount of sweetened applesauce
- Avoiding the use of syrup for fruit or by rinsing and draining the syrup in a colander
- selecting dried, fresh, or frozen fruits when you can