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Alzheimer’s disease plagues an estimated 5.4 million people in the U.S.  There is no conventional cure, however lifestyle choices are your best bet for prevention.  Recent evidence shows dietary choices are the main determining factor.  Overconsumption of sugar and processed foods, primarily carbohydrates, are the main culprits.  Contrary to what many people think, eating a low fat diet is also a big contributing factor.

People who have type 2 diabetes double their risk for developing dementia.  Alzheimer’s is also known as type 3 diabetes, because the disease involves a severe lack of insulin, which is also produced in the brain.  Studies show heart disease is another contributing factor, as arterial stiffness is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.  All of these conditions are related to insulin and leptin resistance.  Mayo clinic research shows that diets high in sugar and processed carbohydrates are linked to an 89% increased risk of dementia.  Studies also show that elevated blood sugar levels increase the risk for Alzheimer’s.  Consuming a healthy high-fat diet relates to a 44% reduced risk.

Our ancestors ate a diet high in saturated fats and little to no non-grain carbohydrates and sugars.  The typical diet today is loaded with highly refined and processed carbohydrates, including genetically engineered grains, sugar beets and corn (high fructose corn sweetener).  Additionally, chemical taste enhancers (amino acids) are used to make over-processed foods taste better.  These types of foods destroy brain function.

Eating for neurological health is the key for preventing Alzheimer’s, heart disease and diabetes.  You can super fuel your brain by teaching your body to burn fat.  The brain loves to burn fat for energy.  One of the best ways to teach your body how to burn fat is to incorporate intermittent fasting, stop eating all processed foods, and eat healthy fats.

Many people believe you should avoid eating saturated fats because they cause heart disease.  This has generated the fear-of-fat diet, which has played a significant role in creating the rise in dementia, because the brain cannot function without fat.  The type of fat you eat makes all of the difference in the world, so make sure to avoid all trans fats and hydrogenated oils, including margarine, vegetable oils, and fake butter spreads.  The types of fats to include in your diet are avocados, raw butter made from grass-fed organic milk, raw nuts (especially pecans and macadamia), organic pastured egg yolks, coconut oil (really great and may even help in treatment) and unheated nut oils.  Ketones are generated when you replace coconut oil instead of processed carbohydrates, including grains.  Adding in anti-inflammatory Omega 3s to the diet is also beneficial, as they provide EPA & DHA for healthy brain function.

Eloise Nelson, Ph.D