Alzheimer’s – it’s the thing that a lot of us fear in the what-seems-so-far-off future. I often times complain about being a “forgetful” person. I’ll forget to text my roommate back or forget to throw my last load of laundry in the dryer. I’ll forget what time that meeting is or forget to get something at the grocery store. But my version of “forgetting” is nothing compared to those affected with Alzheimer’s. I still remember the faces of my family and friends. I still remember what day it is or how old I am. The over 5 million of Americans that have Alzheimer’s disease are not as fortunate. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that has no cure, and the number one risk factor is simply getting older. Until the Fountain of Youth is discovered or a way of preventing Alzheimer’s is developed, AD will continue to be a disease that evades us.
Although AD seems to be confusing and is a disease that is extremely complicated, we do have some important knowledge that could help us develop a cure or better treatment later down the road. One particular pathway in the body and brain seems to be a major factor in AD. The PI3-K/Akt pathway can have a huge effect on aging. And because the number one risk of developing AD is getting older, lengthening life in theory would reduce one’s risk. In fact, reduction of the activation of this pathway has resulted in an extended lifespan in many studies. In addition, over-activation of the PI3-K/Akt pathway is seen in those with AD. When the pathway is over-activated, it causes too much activation of a protein kinase called mTOR. Then, as a result, amyloid beta plaques build up in the brain and neurofibrillary tangles start to accumulate. Ultimately, it is the plaques and tangles that cause much of the cognitive decline in someone with AD.
Alzheimer’s is also often times referred to as Type III diabetes due to the insulin resistance that occurs in the brain. Insulin and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) are the major activators of the receptor (IGF-1R/IR) that turns the PI3-K/Akt pathway on or off. Too much insulin can over-activate the pathway and increase the risk of AD. Then, eventually that receptor can become resistant to insulin and cause the PI3-K/Akt/mTOR pathway to just keep running and running.
It is for this reason that the diet of America could very well be greatly increasing our risk of Alzheimer’s. When we overeat, especially foods that are very unhealthy for us, we end up increasing the amount of insulin resistance in our body, which may lead to consequences like AD later in life. However, in this fast paced world we live in, we more often than not choose the fastest, easiest option – which usually is not healthy. North Dakota currently has the highest death rate due to Alzheimer’s in the country. South Dakota is second. The Midwest tends to be an area of the United States that has a problem with obesity. Could these unhealthy lifestyle choices ultimately lead to you not knowing who your kids are later in your life? Alzheimer’s is usually a disease that does not surface until around the age of 65. But the decisions we make today will affect our future, even 40 years down the road. It is hard for us to look at that delicious, convenient fast-food burger and think that when we are older that burger could contribute to us losing our cognitive abilities because it just seems so far away. But for me, if there is a way to help prevent my risk of developing Alzheimer’s, I’m going to take it. And if that means giving up some of the unhealthy foods I love, then so be it. In the long run, it will be worth it.
Put Down the Burger Today, Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer’s in the Future
