High Protein Diet Linked to Alzheimer's Disease
The diet may play a role in Alzheimer's disease. Results of recent studies have led researchers to consider a possible theory that high protein diets could leave neurons more vulnerable to Alzheimer's plaques.
A study led by Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York (USA) found in mice, a link between a diet high in protein and Alzheimer's disease. The findings are published in the journal Molecular Neurodegeneration.
The researchers evaluated four different menus in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, which were fed a normal diet, a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates, a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates or high option carbohydrates and low in fat.
The researchers then examined the brain and body weight of mice and the accumulation of plaques and the differences in the structure of several brain regions involved in memory problems that occur in Alzheimer's disease.
Mice were fed a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates have brains five percent lighter than the others and the regions of hippocampus were less developed. The result was a surprise to researchers and until proved this effect in transgenic mice is not clear whether the loss of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's.
However, recent survey results led the authors to consider a possible theory that high protein diets could leave neurons more vulnerable to Alzheimer's plaques. The mice who ate a high fat diet had higher levels of protein plaque but this had no effect on plaque burden.
Explains Sam Gandy, director of the study, “given the known association and a diet high in protein with age-related neurotoxicity, one wonders if special diets, when consumed at certain ages, may increase susceptibility to incidence or progression of Alzheimer's disease. “
The researchers note that the only way to respond to this approach is to conduct more clinical trials on diet. “The project would be a challenge but it could really be worth it if there is a chance that the ravages of Alzheimer's may slow down or avoided through a healthy diet. These trials will be needed if scientists want to make specific recommendations about the risks of the diet in Alzheimer's disease. “
