High-protein Diet May Cause Alzheimer’s

Those who are fan of high-protein weight loss diets, beware! You may be putting yourself at a greater risk to Alzheimer’s disease. New studies points that high-protein diet may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s.

The Study

Researchers studied the link between the progression of Alzheimer’s in mice and different diets. In this research, mice were given four different diets:

–        low fat diet / high carb

–        low carb diet / high fat

–        low carb diet / high protein

–        regular diet

After feeding mice on these four diets for some time, the researchers measured the weight of their body, as well as their mind. Researchers also studied the buildup of plaque in the sections of the brain that are responsible for cognitive functions – these sections of the brain are most affected in Alzheimer’s.

The Findings

The researchers found that total brain size of the mice that were given a low carb / high protein diet had shrunk by 5%. It was also found that certain regions of hippocampus – one of the first part of the brain that suffer damage in Alzheimer’s disease – were less developed in mice that fed on a low carb diet / high protein diet. The researchers believe that consumption of a diet which is rich in protein, over time makes the brain cells more susceptible to plaque buildup.

According to lead author of the study, Sam Gandy, these new findings have got medical fraternity speculating that the consumption of high-protein diet at particular ages may contribute to the development or fasten the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Experts say that inflammation may be the reason why diet rich in protein contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s. Constant entry of foreign proteins may cause chronic inflammation, which subsequently may damage the blood vessels and obstruct the flow of blood.

The Conclusion

In the study mentioned above, mice were genetically engineered to carry amyloid-beta, the plaque that accounts for death of brain cells in people with Alzheimer’s. So, while medical fraternity acknowledges that more studies are needed to determine for sure whether diet rich in protein contributes to Alzheimer’s disease or not, they accept that these studies clearly show that people who have Alzheimer’s or at risk to this disease should avoid consuming diet that are high on protein.

A balanced diet, one that is rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and includes some amount of meat and fish helps in reducing your risk to Alzheimer’s and also slow the progression of the disease in existing patients. Further, regular exercise is also found to decrease the chances of acquiring Alzheimer’s.

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