Fast Food A Potential Risk Factor For Alzheimer's

A connection between the food you intake and the development of a neural disorder? That’s exactly what the research at Karolinska Institutet in Europe suggests. Most humans with Alzheimer’s contain the gene apoE4, which is a variant of the gene that functions to transport cholesterol. The scientists at Karolinska Institutet worked with mice by mimicking the effects of the apoE4 gene in humans. The mice were then fed a diet that was high in fat, sugar, and cholesterol for nine months, representing fast food intake. This study focuses on the increase of phosphate groups attached to tau, which forms the neurofibrillary tangles found in patients with Alzheimer’s. The increase in fat in cholesterol in one’s diet leads more of these neurofibrillary tangles to be formed. These tangles reduce the ability of the cells to function and will eventually lead to their death.

Exactly what type of food is best? Studies have shown that those who on the Mediterranean diet, which consists of a lot of fruits and vegetables and little meat are less likely to develop Alheimer’s or its preliminary phases than those who eat meals high in fat and cholesterol. This study shows an important connection between diet and Alzheimer’s and may be able to prevent some cases. Say if someone knows that they contain the variant gene apoE4 then they need eat healthier to avoid the chances of developing Alzheimer’s.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/131218.php
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/09/health/webmd/main2076123.shtml

Roger Jordan
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