Hyderabad: A new study done in the United States revealed that diet has a direct connection with Alzheimer’s instances in the population. It is also stated that eating healthy, low calorie food could help fight the fungi in the gut and reduces the risk of dementia among senior citizens. On the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day _ September 21st _ looking at possible solutions to address this grave problem is important.

While the Alzheimer’s Association, a global body for dementia, reported that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is witnessed among at least 15-20% people aged over 65 years, which impacts the ability to think. The new research suggests that ketogenic diet alters the bacterial communities in the human gut and helps reduce biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease among those suffering from MCI.

Commenting on the disease and new research findings, Dr.Simanchal Mishra, Sr.Consultant NeuroPhysician, Medicover Hospitals said, “In our conservative society, dementia often impacts the social and family relations, including reduction in work hours, loss of employment, relationships ending, and even the need to relocate or change living arrangements arises! It is often noticed that such problems lead victims to becoming unwanted in the family and social setting. Possible solutions to prevent this problem are being researched for decades, and this new study provides a glimpse of hope. There is now a possible preventive mechanism through which the risk of Alzheimer’s can be reduced to a great extent, and the suggested solution appears to be a easily manageable one.”

  “While quitting smoking & alcohol, eating healthy diet, exercising for at least 150 minutes a week are suggested as steps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease; the new research reveals that lower calories food forces a human body to conserve energy, and this leads to drop in body temperature, and this too helps in preventing dementia. Additionally, reading, writing, learning new languages and/or musical instruments, maintaining an active social life are highly recommended to ensure Alzheimer’s is kept at bay,” added Dr.Simanchal Mishra

Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, also increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s among ageing population. Hence, in addition to leading an active life, cutting down on calories in food is surely a great way to stay happy and remember everything till the end of life.