Can Inflammatory Foods Cause Dementia? Study Reveals And Insights From Neurologist

Dementia is far more complex than just memory loss. Dr. Soniya Tambe, Consultant Neurologist at Kauvery Hospitals, Bengaluru, explains in a conversation with OnlyMyHealth.The condition has a vast global impact. According to the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), “Nearly 10 million people develop dementia each year, with 6 million cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries.” 

Given these alarming figures, a study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association has uncovered a link between inflammatory foods and dementia. 

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What Is Dementia?

According to Dr. Tambe, dementia is not just mere memory loss. It's a complicated neurological condition. Dementia is a neurocognitive condition (NCD) that causes substantial cognitive deterioration and interferes with daily activities, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). 

It includes cognitive deterioration in learning, language, memory, and attention. Additionally, it is characterised by a shift in behaviour, social life, and visual spatial orientation.

Key Findings From The Study

The study suggests that consuming foods with high inflammatory potential could accelerate brain ageing and increase the risk of dementia. 

This research, which followed nearly 2,000 participants from the Framingham Heart Study (Framingham is a longitudinal cohort study, a form of epidemiological study that follows a group of individuals over time to determine the natural history of specific diseases, analyse their behaviour, and uncover the factors that could explain their development). 

The researchers used dietary questionnaires and brain MRIs to establish links between diet and brain health over a decade. Participants’ diets were evaluated using the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). This index rates eating habits based on the inflammatory potential of various foods and nutrients. A lower DII score suggests a diet with anti-inflammatory properties, while a higher DII score indicates a pro-inflammatory diet.

What Are Inflammatory Foods?

According to the study, pro-inflammatory diets typically include the following,

• Simple sugars
• Cholesterol
• Saturated fats
• Refined carbohydrates
• Fried foods

Consuming these foods regularly can increase inflammation, which is harmful to brain cells and may lead to cognitive decline. Inflammation can damage neurons and interfere with brain function, contributing to the development of dementia over time.

Conversely, anti-inflammatory diets are rich in nutrients known for their inflammation-fighting properties. These include:

• A, C, D, E, and B6
• Magnesium, zinc, and selenium
• Omega-3, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats
• Flavonoids, found in foods like green or black tea, garlic, and berries
• Dietary Fiber

These nutrients work to reduce inflammation, protect brain cells from oxidative stress, and support overall cognitive health. Including them in your daily diet could help slow down brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia.

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How Is The Link Relevant?

In the study, participants who consumed more pro-inflammatory foods showed greater signs of brain aging on their MRIs. Those with higher DII scores also displayed a greater risk of developing dementia compared to those who followed anti-inflammatory diets. The connection between chronic inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia highlights the need for dietary awareness.

The study’s findings suggest that even small dietary changes can have significant long-term benefits. Reducing intake of processed, sugary, and fried foods while incorporating more fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains could be a step toward better brain health.

Takeaway

Inflammation is a silent contributor to many diseases, and its link to dementia underscores the importance of a balanced diet. While genetic and environmental factors play roles in dementia, lifestyle choices like diet offer a modifiable way to protect cognitive function.

Consuming inflammatory foods may elevate your risk of dementia by accelerating brain aging and promoting inflammation. Opting for an anti-inflammatory diet can provide protective benefits for your brain, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline. As Dr. Tambe advises, making mindful dietary choices today can support both present well-being and long-term cognitive health.