What science says about Paleo Diet For Alzheimer / Dementia

Many nutritionists and medical experts have conflicting views on the popular Paleo Diet for treating Alzheimer's Disease.

Supporters of the Paleo diet for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) disease believe that a low-glycemic, high-fat diet is beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s disease or those who suffer from dementia.

A low-glycemic diet (and other low-carb versions of the Paleo diet) reduces the amount of glucose in the body which is beneficial because high blood sugar levels contribute to higher levels of beta-amyloid in the brain.

Beta-amyloid forms plaques that block blood circulation and prevent nutrition from reaching brain cells, leading to nerve cell death. Therefore, by preventing the formation of beta-amyloid plaques,  the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease can be reduced.

However, opponents of the diet argue that there is insufficient scientific evidence pointing to the effectiveness of the Paleo diet for Alzheimer’s disease. There have been no studies on the Paleo diet and Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, further research is needed before they can accept the Paleo diet for Alzheimer’s hypothesis. They also argue that the diet is restrictive and can cause calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, and studies show that there may be a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and Alzheimer’s disease.

Opinion in favor of following the Paleo diet to treat Alzheimer's disease:

Supporters of the Paleo Diet for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) believe that the diet is beneficial for people with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or those who suffer from dementia.

According to Paleo diet advocates, Alzheimer’s disease is caused by excess sugar and carbohydrate consumption. Excess sugar consumption can cause nerve cell inflammation, which damages healthy neurons. Eating a large number of carbohydrates can lead to high blood sugar or hyperglycemia, which may lead to insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance affects the amount of glucose that can be transported to the nerve cells. If nerve cells do not receive enough glucose, they can degenerate and die. Hyperglycemia can also increase the production of beta-amyloid protein, which disrupts brain cell function, and can cause nerve cell death. Thus, the Paleo diet focuses on lowering carbohydrate and sugar intake to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease and poor memory and cognition.

The diet also promotes eating fruits and vegetables and eliminating gluten-containing cereal grains to reduce inflammation in the gut which might affect the brain. Fruits and vegetables also contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for brain function.

Recently, one study conducted by Dr. Dale E. Bredesen showed that a low-glycemic, high-fat diet can improve Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. When responding to the study, Dr. Loren Cordain, the founder of the Paleo diet, comments that the diet that Dr. Bredesen recommends to Alzheimer’s patients and the advice he urges them to follow such as exercise moderately and focus on getting enough sleep are essentially the same things the Paleo diet recommends. Thus, the Paleo diet is beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease.

Opinion against following the Paleo diet to treat Alzheimer's disease:

However, opponents of the Paleo Diet for Alzheimer do not believe that the diet can treat or prevent the disease. They argue that there is insufficient scientific evidence pointing to the effectiveness of the Paleo diet for Alzheimer’s disease.

For instance, Nick McKeehan, Assistant Director at Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, does not believe that the Paleo diet is good for Alzheimer’s patients because there have been no studies on the Paleo diet and Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, further research is needed before he and other researchers can accept the Paleo diet for Alzheimer’s hypothesis.

They also argue that the diet is restrictive, difficult to follow, and can cause calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Nevertheless, if people keep track of their vitamin and mineral intake, opponents of the Paleo diet for Alzheimer’s believe that the diet may be beneficial for overall health because it encourages healthy eating habits, such as eating organic fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed meats, high sugar foods, and refined carbohydrates.

Published: August 2020