You may have heard of the ketogenic (or keto) diet, a low carb-high fat diet that studies have shown can help you lose weight and potentially help with diabetes, epilepsy and other diseases. The question we'd like to explore is what do these high fat diet's impact have on the brain?
A recently published study by researchers at the University of South Australia indicates that a high fat diet may not only pad your waistline, it may aggravate Alzheimer’s disease and cause depression and anxiety.
The study, conducted on mice not humans, showed that mice fed a high-fat diet for 30 weeks had deterioration of their cognitive abilities. Some mice developed anxiety, depression or worse symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. They were also more likely to gain weight from the brain changes that led to a poor metabolism.
The study’s authors say the research adds to the evidence from other studies that link obesity and diabetes with Alzheimer’s.
One thing is certain—what we eat contributes greatly to our health over the course of our lives. No clear evidence of high-fat diets in humans shows a correlation to Alzheimer’s, but doctors advise a well-balanced diet of lean proteins, high fiber carbs like beans, fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water as the basis for most people. Before starting any significant change in your diet, such as a high-fat diet, always talk with your doctor.
Proper nutrition is key to health, especially in the elderly. As metabolism changes, it’s important to consume high-value calories. At BeeHive Homes, our assisted living facilities offer family-style meals, served at a dining table in our small group homes. Our chefs provide tasty, nutritious meals with special dietary needs taken into consideration.
If you are considering an assisted living residence for you, your spouse, or another family member, we invite you to visit any of our New Mexico residential assisted living centers. See the comfortable rooms, sample a home-cooked meal, and talk with our trained caregivers. We love helping families find the best assisted living home for their situation, and we understand that food is an important factor in choosing the right home.
