I’ve experienced the frustrating feeling of my memory being frozen in time. When my mind’s hard drive temporarily crashes, I turn it into a mental exercise, challenging myself to retrieve the event or name I’m trying to remember. It’s like a game, seeing how long it takes to recall. But for many, this experience is no game—it occupies their lives.
Type 3 diabetes, also known as Alzheimer’s, is linked to insulin resistance and impaired insulin signaling in the brain, similar to type 2 diabetes. This new perspective suggests that Alzheimer’s may be preventable or even reversible through lifestyle changes and treatments that address insulin resistance and promote brain health.
A striking video featuring two rats, one fed a balanced diet and the other a diet high in processed sugar and fats, highlighted the impact of food on brain health. The second rat struggled to find a safe area in a water-filled barrel, a disturbing difference attributed to brain damage caused by its diet, reminiscent of cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s.
It’s alarming that processed sugar is the main culprit behind all three diabetes types. Healthy sugars, found naturally in whole foods like fruits, vegetables and dairy products, provide sustained energy and nutritional benefits. In contrast, processed sugars cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash, leaving inflammation, insulin resistance and health problems behind.
It’s also helpful to understand that Alzheimer’s and dementia are not exactly the same things. Dementia describes a decline in cognitive function, including memory loss and difficulty with communication, problem-solving, and judgment.
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases.
By making healthy food choices and adopting a balanced diet, we can safeguard our brain health and avoid the devastating effects of “diabetes of the brain.” Focusing on whole foods, limiting sugary drinks and processed snacks, exercising regularly, managing stress and getting enough sleep to promote overall brain health.
Staying mentally active and socially engaged also supports brain health. By taking control of our diet and lifestyle, we can reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer’s and promote overall well-being.
There are tests to see if you are susceptible to Alzheimer’s early on, which is a great way to get ahead and start combating it. Come to think of it, I have to get that tested myself; I honestly don’t remember if I’ve ever had it done before.
