Brain Healthy Findings from Vienna Conference

By David Larsen

In July, the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease was held in Vienna, Austria. Attended by more than 5,000 scientists from many different disciplines, this is the ultimate expo for research on brain health and disease. Each year, researchers reveal fascinating new insights, and this year was no exception. 

Interestingly enough, one of the first major studies presented came from Utah State University and the famous Cache Senior Study. In this study, scientists looked at the impact of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet on brain health. The DASH diet eating plan, described in greater detail below, has been proven to lower blood pressure in studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and is often recommended by physicians. Monitoring high blood pressure is an important health concern, since high blood pressure is a risk factor for Alzheimer's and dementia.

Heidi Wengreen, RD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition at Utah State University, and colleagues examined the relationship between how closely people adhered to the DASH diet and the risk of cognitive decline and dementia among older study participants.   

The DASH diet adherence score was based on consumption levels of fruit, vegetables, nut/legumes, whole grains, low-fat dairy, sodium, sweets, non-fish meat, and fish. Participants were ranked by their DASH score into five groups, or quintiles.

DASH to Success What Dr. Wengreen and her associates found was higher DASH scores—that is, those showing higher consumption of vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nut/legumes—were associated with higher cognitive functioning at the beginning of the study and over time. Those whose diet was highest in these four foods were 2 to 4 times less likely to develop dementia as people who did not eat substantial amounts of these foods.   

Wengreen noted, “We need more research before we can confidently say how much of these food groups to include in your diet to experience some benefit." However, a similar study published in the August 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association emphasizes that the earlier people shift to this type of diet, the greater impact it can have. Too many wait and then “nibble” on too little too late. The research is clear: a healthy diet and mental and physical exercise can counter the effects on the aging brain—but consider starting now, not later.   

Too Much Fat Is Bad for the Brain 

In another related study out of Thailand, researchers used rats to track the effects of high-fat diets on brain function.  They found functional insulin resistance can develop in the central nervous system, as well as in the peripheral tissues of rats who are fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. These findings indicate that a high-fat diet causes endocrine abnormalities, as well as neuronal insulin resistance. Since impairment of neuronal insulin response is linked to neurodegenerative disease, like Alzheimer’s, neuronal insulin resistance caused by long-term high-fat consumption (as in a diet high in meat) may lead to cognitive deficits. This supports other studies that suggest a high meat diet may increase risk for Alzheimer’s, especially if the diet is also low in various vegetables, nuts, and berries. 

Taking care of our brains requires more than just physical examinations and daily mental and physical exercise.  What we feed our body also affects our brain.  Choosing to eat whole grains and vegetables, along with other healthful choices in place of high-fat foods, can contribute to longer, happier senior years.

For more information on these studies and other free brain healthy insights, go to www.4abettermemory.com or contact the author, Dave Larsen, MFHD at (801) 497-9768.