5 Foods that Cause Alzheimer’s Disease

February 6, 2023

Many older adults understand they must include the right foods in their diet to maintain optimal health. However, some may not realize certain foods cause physiological reactions in the body that could lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Eliminating or limiting the intake of these foods can protect the brain from potential damage.

1. Alcohol

Regularly consuming alcoholic beverages damages neurons via toxicity. Alcohol also causes inflammation and may lead to hypertension. High blood pressure deprives neurons of adequate blood flow. Beer, in particular, contains chemical compounds known as nitrates, which are associated with harmful amyloid-beta protein accumulation. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories that may lead to weight gain and diabetes, which have also been linked to Alzheimer’s development.

2. Microwave Popcorn

Prepackaged microwavable popcorn contains the chemical diacetyl, which is used to give popcorn a buttery flavour. Low concentrations of diacetyl are found naturally in many fruits, vegetables, and other foods. However, when consumed in microwave popcorn, the chemical somehow encourages amyloid-beta proteins and plaques to flourish in the brain. Seniors who enjoy popcorn are better off making it the old-fashioned way or in an air popper. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic tasks. Butterfly Dreams Respite Care is a leading care home Edmonton, AB, families can rely on to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.

3. Processed Meats

Processed meats include bacon, deli meats, hot dogs, and sausage. These meats have high fat content, which elevates LDL cholesterol and increases the likelihood of blood vessel blockages in the brain that starve cells of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. Weakened neurons are then more susceptible to the damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques. The meats are also typically seasoned and smoked but not cooked—thus, the processing doesn’t kill harmful microbes that could lead to infection and inflammation in the brain. Aging adults who need help handling mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of highly trained professional caregivers. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional respite care. Edmonton Butterfly Dreams Respite Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

4. Red Meat

Red meats are rich in iron, which seniors need to avoid developing anemia. However, when these meats are consumed more than three or four times a week, the iron accumulates in the grey matter of the brain and contributes to cellular degeneration. The chemical byproducts that occur when metabolizing an excess of protein have also been shown to encourage amyloid-beta plaque formation in the brain. Seniors are advised to instead include more poultry and fish in their diet. Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and other oily fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that are known to protect neurons.

5. White Foods

Foods made using white flour, rice, and sugar are digested quickly, which causes blood sugar levels to spike. The long list of foods made from these ingredients includes baked goods and pasta. The foods also contain empty calories and high fat content. Elevated blood sugar levels encourage systemic inflammation that also occurs in the brain. Fatty foods lead to elevated LDL levels and the potential for plaque formation. Plaques in cranial blood vessels deprive the cells of much-needed oxygen and nutrients. Older adults might want to consider eating baked goods sparingly and only those made using whole grains. If you’re the primary caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you don’t have to go through it alone. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is a high-quality Edmonton respite care. Families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. Butterfly Dreams Respite Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at 587-800-4822 to learn more about our customized care plans.