Alzheimer's and Diet - what is the Connection?

The RESEARCH – The Diet Connection:

There is new research strongly linking Type 2 diabetes to increased risk of Alzheimer’s and some even call Alzheimer’s “Type 3 Diabetes.”   This growing and compelling body of evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s and Type 2 diabetes are linked by a common factor: insulin resistance.  Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh proved it for the first time.   According to a press release from Penn Medicine, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases by 50% for people with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance and accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases, says the same source.

What is Insulin Resistance?  Our metabolism evolved eons ago, when our diet included fewer (and more complex) carbohydrates. Today most calories in the American diet come in the form of carbohydrates, and most of those are simple carbohydrates — sugars or highly processed foods - that quickly enter the bloodstream causing the blood sugar to rise rapidly.  The body has to release high levels of insulin to keep the level of glucose in the bloodstream from spiraling out of control.   Over time, the cells quit responding to this signal.  At this point the body is “insulin resistant.”   Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to keep blood glucose under control.