For individuals with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease, a diet rich in meat may be associated with a significantly lower risk of developing the condition, a new study suggests. This finding challenges conventional dietary advice and opens new avenues for research into preventative strategies.
Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, published findings on March 19 in JAMA Network, revealing that those carrying the Alzheimer’s gene experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of dementia with increased meat intake. The study tracked 2,157 Swedish adults aged 60 and older for approximately 15 years.
Just over a quarter of the participants carried the APOE4 gene, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Carrying the APOE4 gene can increase dementia risk by a factor of 2 to 12, and individuals with a family history of the disease are more likely to possess it. Participants completed detailed dietary questionnaires covering 98 food items, with a particular focus on meat consumption.
Over the course of the study, 296 participants developed dementia, although 690 died without showing any signs of the condition. Analysis revealed that among those with the APOE4 gene, individuals who consumed the most meat had a 45% lower risk of dementia compared to those who consumed the least. Researchers similarly observed that individuals with the APOE4 gene who ate more meat maintained better cognitive function over time.
Yet, the study also found that high consumption of processed meats, such as bacon and sausage, was linked to an increased risk of dementia, suggesting that not all meat is created equal when it comes to brain health. This reinforces the idea that processed meats can be detrimental to health regardless of genetic predisposition.
The researchers hypothesize that the protective effect of meat consumption in APOE4 carriers may be linked to higher levels of vitamin B12, a nutrient essential for brain health and cognitive function. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to memory loss, impaired understanding, and poor judgment.
While the findings are promising, researchers caution that further studies with larger populations are needed to confirm whether meat consumption directly impacts dementia risk. More data is needed to fully understand the relationship between diet and this complex disease.
