By Darlene Kvist, M.S., C.N.S., L.N.

Every 70 seconds someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, about 500,000 Americans under 65 suffer from this debilitating disorder or some form of dementia.  In fact, a full quarter of the population over 65 suffers from mild cognitive impairment.  Finally, 50% of Americans will contract Alzheimer’s by age 85. These startling statistics were compiled by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Is everyone doomed to the terrifying prospect of memory loss in later years?  Not according to research which has discovered that eating habits and lifestyle factors far outweigh genetics.

Ninety percent of a person’s health, including brain health, is tied to everyday choices, while genetics account for only 10%.  Millions of dollars are spent on finding the genetic connection to Alzheimer’s disease, but only pennies on nutrition.

A genetic linkage to a disease does not mean a person will contract that illness.  It does indicate, however, an increased risk if certain environmental conditions (such as diet and lifestyle) are not properly controlled.

The statistics are clear.  Unless changes are made, 50% of Americans are in big trouble. No sane person would knowingly damage his or her own brain. Think of the other ways commonly taken to protect the organ that makes us human. We strap on helmets to bike to the Dairy Queen where we consume Blizzards that contain 48 teaspoons of processed sugar (although sugar has been largely replaced by high fructose corn syrup, which is even more damaging). Seat belts safeguard us on the way to a fast food joint where we inhale burgers and fries—along with 12 grams of trans-fats (the damaged fats known to be the unhealthiest of all).

Are Americans not aware of the damage that processed sugar, trans-fats and the ubiquitous high fructose corn syrup cause?  Have we become addicted to processed foods?  Food manufacturers routinely add sugar and salt while removing fiber and nutrients.  These empty calories create a constant hunger for more, and the I-can’t-stop-with-one behavior takes over.

Cognitive dysfunction has many causes. One of the hallmarks of brain aging is the decreased ability to manage glucose metabolism.  With aging, cells can’t process as many sugars and carbohydrates.  The once-a-year Blizzard as a child probably caused no damage, but as an adult (especially an older adult), the sugar jolt can injure those precious brain cells.

Relentless ingestion of sugary foods, such as cold cereal (22 teaspoons), a muffin (14 teaspoons), a large Coke and French fries (35 teaspoons), and the ongoing impairment of glucose metabolism combined with cell damage can end in dementia.

The above dietary scenario can also lead to two well-publicized health problems: insulin resistance and diabetes.  Changes in insulin sensitivity can result in higher blood sugar   levels associated with diabetes and early biological aging.  Highly-processed sugary foods literally age the brain before its time. Inflammation and damaged cells occur on the inside of the body.  On the outside, excess sugary foods age the skin, leaving a path of premature wrinkles.

Returning to the question, “Are the poor eating habits practiced by a large segment of the population due to lack of education, or is it the deluge of processed foods that leads to food addiction?” Most people understand that protein from healthy animals is good and that chicken nuggets are bad.  Then why do many parents feed their precious children the latter?

Most people understand that vegetables and fruits are good for the brain and processed cereal, candy bars and muffins are not.  Why are kids given pop tarts and cereal bars for breakfast?  Most mothers understand that the trans-fats and refined oils in fast food and commercial cookies are unhealthy.  Why, then, do parents stop at the fast-food drive thru on the way to soccer practice?

Most people understand that processed carbohydrates and trans-fats damage the brain.  But these foods comprise the Standard American Diet (SAD). It is time to move away from SAD diets to a “real food” diet. 

• Replace the chicken nuggets with a piece of free-range chicken.
• Stop eating processed carbohydrates like cereal, muffins and crackers.  Start eating carrots, broccoli, spinach, blueberries and melons. 
• And forever give up the French fries, commercial cookies, candy bars, and margarine. The brain needs real fats, such as avocados, olives, butter and olive oil, not the trans-fats and damaged oils found in processed foods.
• Beverages are another culprit in the SAD diet, especially pop. Replacing pop with water will keep the brain hydrated for better memory.

The nutritional answer to preventing dementia begins with eating real food and cooking at home. Real food could be the most important prevention plan of all.