Gorging on sugary treats and fizzy drinks ‘can trigger Alzheimer’s’
TOO many sweet treats and fizzy drinks can trigger dementia, research suggests.
Scientists found high blood sugar levels damage a protein that protects the brain against Alzheimer’s.
Experts said it explains why diabetics are twice as likely to develop the disease.
Researchers from Bath University warn those munching on too many sugary foods or guzzling sweet drinks are at heightened risk of Alzheimer’s, even if they don’t have diabetes.
And said the findings have implications for diet and public health.
Around 850,000 Brits have dementia – and there is no effective treatment.
But current medications can help to slow down the symptoms.
Dr Omar Kassaar, from the University of Bath, said: “Excess sugar is well known to be bad for us when it comes to diabetes and obesity, but this potential link with Alzheimer’s disease is yet another reason that we should be controlling our sugar intake in our diets.”
The team looked at brain samples from 30 people, both with and without Alzheimer’s.
The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found high levels of sugar in the blood inactivated a protein called MIF.
It plays a key role in clearing out plaques from the brain, toxic deposits that destroy healthy tissue – a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
Around two in three Brits are too fat.
New guidelines introduced in 2015 recommend UK adults consume no more than eight teaspoons of sugar a day.
But the vast majority fail to meet the target.
Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We know there is a link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, and this new study provides evidence for a process that could be linking the two conditions.
“People with diabetes have high levels of glucose in the blood and the researchers highlighted one way this sugar could be affecting the brain in Alzheimer’s.
“While this is potentially an important mechanism, the researchers did not look at the blood sugar levels of the individuals who donated their brains to this research nor do we know whether they had diabetes.
“Further research will need to fully explore this link, and any potential effect of a diet high in sugar.”
RELATED STORIES
And Dr Clare Walton, Research Manager at Alzheimer’s Society said: “We know that diabetes can double a person’s risk of developing dementia but we still don’t really understand how the two conditions are linked - this study offers a vital clue.
“The researchers have found a specific effect of high blood glucose on an enzyme in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s, providing a plausible biological mechanism connecting the two conditions.
“With diabetes on the rise, a better understanding of how it affects brain cells can help us to find ways to help people with diabetes manage their risk of dementia.”
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368
