Us diabetics hear so much about blindness, limb amputation and kidney failure, it is not surprising we fear these complications the most. As all know here these complications can be avoided, and in some cases reversed if treated quickly and earlier enough. In my time I have seen family and friends die from all sorts of causes, the worst I have seen is Alzheimer's disease, it is a truly horrible way to check out. This is an interesting read and once again our old friend low carb high fat may be the answer.
Nutrition and Alzheimer's disease: The detrimental role of a high carbohydrate diet.
"Alzheimer's disease is a devastating disease whose recent increase in incidence rates has broad implications for rising health care costs. Huge amounts of research money are currently being invested in seeking the underlying cause, with corresponding progress in understanding the disease progression. In this paper, we highlight how an excess of dietary carbohydrates, particularly fructose, alongside a relative deficiency in dietary fats and cholesterol, may lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
A first step in the pathophysiology of the disease is represented by advanced glycation end-products in crucial plasma proteins concerned with fat, cholesterol, and oxygen transport. This leads to cholesterol deficiency in neurons, which significantly impairs their ability to function. Over time, a cascade response leads to impaired glutamate signaling, increased oxidative damage, mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction, increased risk to microbial infection, and, ultimately, apoptosis. Other neurodegenerative diseases share many properties with alzheimer's disease, and may also be due in large part to this same underlying cause.
Recent population studies have confirmed a correlation between low blood serum cholesterol and both dementia and Parkinson's disease. A study published in 2007 compared three elderly population groups: subjects with dementia, subjects with depression, and controls. They found that those with dementia and depression had significantly lower serum cholesterol levels than the controls.Another study looking at Parkinson's disease among the elderly showed that those with the lowest LDL had 3.5 times the risk of Parkinson's disease compared to those with the highest serum LDL levels.
"Simple dietary modification, towards fewer highly-processed carbohydrates and relatively more fats and cholesterol, is likely a protective measure against Alzheimer's disease."
My bold.
Link to the full paper here and well worth your time reading I reckon.
Eddie
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4 comments:
Stephanie Seneff is always worth a read. I've seen a lot of work pointing to hyperinsulinemia affecting the brain, this looks like another pathway to the same end.
Strangely I was thinking about Alzheimer's earlier. A neighbour's husband had it and got so bad he was institutionalised. They bled his wife dry with their fees for several years, and she would dutifully go visit him several times a week although he never even noticed she was there. When he finally got pneumonia they worked hard to cure him and he lived as a vegetable for a couple more years before succumbing.
Another neighbour was affected in her early (I think) seventies, I was wondering if she was still alive, the people I knew who knew her had moved away.
I predict an ongoing "epidemic" of Alzheimers to add to the obesity, diabetes and CVD, it certainly appears to be yet another "disease of civilisation".
Many thanks for your comment Chris ...
In my opinion eating too many carbs ... too much sugar, does not do anyone any favours, be they diabetic or not. Sugar consumption has gone up over recent years and many illnesses are on the increase.
I can only speak from personal findings but since I discovered the LCHF lifestyle (seven years ago now) my health and well-being has improved. I am also aware of the link between high sugar consumption and higher blood sugar readings to Alzheimer's / dementia. As both my mum and Gran had Alzheimer / dementia in later life I believe that living the LCHF lifestyle could be advantageous.
Alzheimer's is very often referred to as Type 3 diabetes !
All the best Jan
It's good to know this. Thanks.
Many thanks for your comment Linda...
We try to post a wide variety of articles - something for everyone.
All the best Jan
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