The WHO reports 55 million dementia sufferers worldwide (WHO). As the global population ages, experts expect dementia rates to rise to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million by 2050.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help protect your cognitive health—but one thing may be increasing your dementia risk, in spite of your efforts. Read on to find out what 58 percent of Americans are doing that spikes their chance of developing dementia, and how you can avoid it.
You've likely heard that the foods you choose to put on your plate can affect your heart health and your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. But diet also plays a critical factor in our brain health and cognitive function.
Whole foods rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants can nourish your brain and protect it from oxidative stress, a major cause of chronic inflammation. Inflammation damages cells and causes Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, author of 2-Day Diabetes Diet, tells Best Life, ". Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and fatty fish can protect the brain and heart."
Adding a teaspoon of sugar to your morning coffee or enjoying a sweet treat occasionally could put you in the 58% of Americans who consume too much added sugar, increasing your risk of dementia.
Most Americans exceed the DGA's 10% added sugar limit, according to the USDA. Alarmingly, Americans consume over 25 teaspoons of sugar daily, accounting for 20% of their calories.
. "High sugar intake can also cause insulin spikes and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance increases dementia risk and cognitive decline."