8 Top Causes of Memory Decline

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease (5.7 million) is expected to more than double by 2050. Unfortunately, current treatment protocols provide only moderate, temporary improvements in cognitive function.

Here are the top 8 things to avoid to protect your brain and prevent neurodegenerative diseases:

1) Diets High in Saturated Fats. Saturated fats are found in meat, dairy, and eggs. Saturated fats promote beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, considered to be one of the primary contributors to Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that people with the highest saturated fat intake had triple the risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those who avoided. Consumption of saturated fat also increases blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and the risk of obesity and diabetes, which are also associated with the development of dementia.

2) Trans Fats. Trans fats have been shown to increase Alzheimer’s risk more than fivefold! They increase beta-amyloid proteins that collects in plaques in the brain as Alzheimer’s progresses.

3) Too Much Added Sugar. When we eat too much sugar, some turns to fat which attaches to vital organs. This fat releases inflammatory proteins, leading to inflammation in the brain. A study following 5000 people over 10 years found those with highest blood sugar levels had a faster rate of cognitive decline than those with lower blood sugar. Unstable blood sugar also negatively affects the function and the structure of the brain.

4) Toxins in Food. Toxins in food include pesticides, herbicides, nitrates, artificial sweeteners, artificial colorings, antibiotics, and hormones. These toxins can wreak havoc on our brain. The artificial sweetener aspartame is associated with systemic inflammation, memory problems, migraines, dementia, and even depression. Byproducts of aspartame can cross the blood brain barrier and lead to cognitive decline. Another food toxin is diacetyl, known to give butter-like properties to food like popcorn. Diacetyl accelerates the build-up of beta-amyloid protein and is linked to the development of dementia. So, it is best to avoid processed, packaged foods and cook as much as you can from scratch.

5) Alcohol, Drug Use, and Smoking. Frequent and excessive alcohol can damage memory circuits and accelerate the decline in mental aging. Alcohol hastens the progression of the disease in patients who already have Alzheimer’s and quickens the rate of cognitive decline. Chronic smoking is also associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and possibly dementia. Toxins in cigarettes cause inflammation and oxidative stress to cells, both of which have been linked to development of Alzheimer’s disease.

6) Aluminum Exposure. Aluminum is the most abundant neurotoxic metal on earth. It is found in deodorants, cosmetic products, drinking water, and cookware. It accumulates in brain cells of those susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease.

7) Copper Exposure. Copper prohibits the removal of harmful beta-amyloid proteins from the brain. These proteins accumulate in the brain and form the plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Copper exposure can lead to the breakdown of the blood brain barrier, which makes it even easier for copper (and other toxins) to cross over and negatively impact our neural pathways.

8) Excess Iron. Excess iron can accumulate in the bran and trigger the production of harmful free radicals, increasing oxidative stress, and causing development of the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Sources of excess iron include meat, cast iron cookware, and iron supplementation.

**Content provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is derived from information from the Goodness Lover podcast. It is not to be considered medical advice.**