One Childhood Diet Habit Was Linked to a 46% Lower Alzheimer's Risk
Summary
A new study found that children who ate less sugar during the first 1,000 days after conception had a much lower chance of getting Alzheimer's disease later in life. The research used data from people born during a time of sugar rationing in the UK and showed these early sugar restrictions also lowered risks of dementia, anxiety, and depression.Key Facts
- The study looked at over 60,000 people from the UK Biobank born between 1951 and 1956.
- Sugar rationing in the UK during and after World War II meant children under 2 years old had limited sugar intake.
- People exposed to sugar restriction from pregnancy to about age 2 had a 46% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
- They also had a 27% lower risk of dementia from any cause, 20% lower risk of anxiety, and 11% lower risk of depression later in life.
- No link was found between early sugar restriction and Parkinson’s disease risk.
- Brain scans showed these people had brains that looked younger by about 0.39 years and larger areas related to memory and thinking.
- Researchers say early nutrition can affect brain development and long-term health through effects on metabolism and inflammation.
- The study used a natural experiment created by historical events, avoiding ethical issues of deliberately limiting sugar intake in babies.
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