Attention soda and sweet treat lovers: a new study suggests that fructose, a type of sugar found in many processed foods, could be driving Alzheimer’s disease. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, found that fructose intake leads to insulin resistance in the brain, which could impair memory and promote cognitive decline.
According to the researchers, the brain relies on glucose, a different type of sugar, for energy, but it can also use fructose in small amounts. However, when too much fructose is consumed, as is often the case with modern diets high in added sugars, it can interfere with the brain’s ability to use glucose and insulin effectively, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and other harmful effects.
The study used an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease and fed one group of mice a high-fructose diet and another group a regular diet. The high-fructose group had lower levels of insulin and glucose in their brain, as well as worse performance in memory tests and higher levels of Alzheimer’s-related proteins. The researchers also found that the high-fructose diet led to changes in the gut microbiome, which could contribute to the brain’s insulin resistance.
While the study’s findings are not definitive for human health, they add to the growing body of evidence linking sugary diets to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The researchers suggest that reducing fructose intake, especially from added sugars, could be a way to protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive impairment.
So, think twice before reaching for that soda or candy bar. Your brain and memory may thank you in the long run.
