There is mounting evidence, as more and more research is done into Alzheimer’s Disease and related neurodegenerative disorders, that diet plays a large role in the development of brain disorders later in life. What you eat matters, but what you make sure not to eat matters as well.

And despite the focus in the United States on the importance of protein in our diets, more and more evidence seems to indicate that regularly consuming high levels of protein (such as deriving >50% of ones calories from protein) can have adverse effects. The landmark research study, The China Study, examining the role of diet (and dietary protein) in health is what I consider to be essential reading for anyone interested in the link between diet and health.

For more information on the research study on high protein diets and brain mass – published in the Journal of Molecular Neurodegeneration, check here:

Dietary composition modulates brain mass and amyloid beta levels in a mouse model of aggressive Alzheimer’s amyloid pathology

For more information and the full story visit www.health.am

How Lack of Sleep Can Decrease Brain Health and Increase Alzheimer’s Risk

Recent research done by Dr. David M. Holtzman at the Washington University School of Medicine has shown a correlation between lack of sleep and the development of Alzheimer’s Disease. One of the clear indicators of Alzheimer’s Disease is beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques interfere with brain function and cause the dementia associated with Alzheimer’s. Dr. Holtzman’s research team subjected mice to sleep deprivation, limiting them to 4 hours of sleep per day and found an increase in the development of plaques in the brain. Over time, this can cause a serious decline in overall brain health.

Some of the mice were then given a new drug for insomnia, which put the mice to sleep for greater time periods. Lower levels of plaque-forming proteins were measured in the mice, indicative of more positive long-term outcomes.

Additionally, Dr. Holtzman tested healthy males to measure levels of beta-amyloid during both waking and sleeping hours, and found the beta-amyloid levels were lower during sleep cycles than when the men were awake. A conclusion can be inferred that greater will will lead to lower overall levels of beta-amyloid, and a lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Other Options Besides Sleeping Pills May be Better Alternatives

Although sleeping pills can induce sleep, it is not necessarily known whether sleep induced by sleeping pills is most conducive to brain health. A healthy diet to maintain brain nutrition, a normal sleep schedule, and exercise to induce natural tiredness and drowsiness may be the best answers to long-term prevention of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

At this point, what specifically causes Alzheimer’s Disease is not well understood. We know some of the contributing factors, but the interaction of these factors in the brain is complicated. However, it is reasonable to assume that providing your body and mind with adequate sleep will increase overall brain health, body health, and general well-being. It is just one of the things you can do to significantly improve your quality of life.