The rates of dementia are highest in the western countries. Indian, Japanese & African populations have lower rates of dementia than the US and Western Europe.
However once these populations adopt a western diet, the rate of dementia seem to go up in these populations. The rates of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Japan rose from 1% in 1985 to 7% in 2008 – this correlated with dietary trends towards a western diet.
Confounding factor : countries in SE Asia and Japan have higher levels of social engagement than traditional western societies. This may play a role in delaying dementia as well.
Yorubas (Nigerian descent) living in Ibadan (Nigeria) had lower rates of dementia than the same ethnic group living in Indianapolis (USA). Could this be related to change in dietary patterns?
The Adventist Health Study showed that meat eaters were twice as likely to develop dementia compared to vegetarians.
This review article makes a strong case for the western diet as contributing to dementia.
Coffee may reduce risk of Alzheimer’s!
Turmeric may reduce risk of Alzheimer’s!
Rates of dementia in poorer parts of India like Ballabhgarh are much lower than in well-to-do areas of India that have a meat based diet. Turmeric consumption is the same. So – stop taking turmeric (curcumin) supplements. Eat curcumin as part of a plant based diet – it is much cheaper than the supplements and may actually help!
Dr. William Grant in the Journal of American College of Nutrition states:
The most important dietary link to AD appears to be meat consumption, with eggs and high-fat dairy also contributing. Diets high in grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish are associated with reduced risk of AD, but these factors cannot counter the effects of meat, eggs, and high-fat dairy.
I will leave you with an article from the British Medical Journal and the following video: