Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that can cause dementia. The condition can deteriorate one’s ability to think and affect their ability to execute daily tasks independently. Multiple risk factors can trigger Alzheimer’s, including a person’s age, genetics, and sex. Furthermore, one study indicates that the food we eat plays a significant role in developing the disease. Therefore, in this article, we will talk about the research on the link between foods and Alzheimer’s disease.

The study
The study was based on multiple parameters, such as the following:

• It was conducted with over 200 people.
• An average of 78 people of the 200 were living with dementia.
• The group was compared with another group of 118 individuals of the same age. The latter had no symptoms of the disorder.
• Patients were given a medical checkup every two to three years.
• The study group was asked to complete food questionnaires that recorded the foods they ate.
• The questionnaire further recorded their food consumption frequency for the past five years.

The findings of the study
There were two significant findings resulting from this study that showed why foods harmed those at risk of the disease. The findings were as follows:

• Midlife changes in eating habits
  The questionnaire pointed out that people who indulged in new food choices in their midlife were more susceptible to brain disease. The study further revealed that people in their midlife who refrained from eating healthy were at increased risk of developing dementia. But these new eating habits were recorded only once before dementia set in. Therefore, data regarding changes in the person’s eating habits were unavailable or limited.
• Mixing processed foods, sugary snacks, and starches
  The study further revealed that people who resorted to processed meals, foods rich in sugar, or starches were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, they must indulge in healthy eating habits to curb the risk of dementia.

Foods to avoid
The study above is a broader perspective of foods or eating habits that lead to weak memory. So for those looking for specific foods to avoid to improve Alzheimer’s, here are four of them.

• Processed cheese
  People at risk of Alzheimer’s must avoid processed cheese, including American cheese, mozzarella sticks, and canned cheese. Consuming such cheeses leaves unhealthy proteins in the bloodstream. Eventually, these proteins travel to the brain and affect healthy synapses.
• Fast food
  Fast foods like French fries are high in sodium, saturated fats, and trans fats. Consuming too many of these elements may increase the risk of memory loss, unprecedented cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Microwave popcorn
  Though popcorn has health benefits, the snack can be disastrous for someone at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Popcorn contains diacetyl, a chemical that can trigger a spike in amyloid plaques in the brain. And these plaques may worsen the disorder.
• White bread
  Apart from being generally unhealthy for the human body, white bread has properties that affect the mind. The food contains white flour, which leads to a spike in insulin production. Studies show that the rise in insulin can transfer harmful chemicals to the brain and trigger Alzheimer’s symptoms.