Lower consumption of milk or dairy was linked to poorer cognitive function—and an increased risk for vascular dementia. But eating high-fat dairy was linked to greater cognitive decline.
Boston, MA (PRWEB) June 19, 2012
The Doctors Health Press, publisher of various natural health newsletters, books and reports, including the popular online Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, is supporting a study on dairy products and alcohol being linked to the development of Alzheimer’s.
As reported in Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin (http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/brain-function-articles/can-dairy-products-cause-alzheimers), Calcium intake from dairy products has been associated with an anti-obesity effect. Vitamin D from dairy was also reported to affect insulin sensitivity and, indirectly, blood sugar levels. Finally, the phosphorus and magnesium in dairy products may affect blood pressure control, magnesium also being an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory functions.
These potentially beneficial properties of dairy products prompted researchers to study the effects of dairy on the development of Alzheimer’s. Australian researchers performed a meta-analysis of eight studies and found that lower consumption of milk or dairy was linked to poorer cognitive function—and an increased risk for vascular dementia. But eating high-fat dairy was linked to greater cognitive decline.
The Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article “Can Dairy Products Cause Alzheimer’s?” also reports alcohol has many properties that reduce the cardiovascular risks of vascular dementia. Flavanoids in wine may prevent the oxidative damage in the brain leading to Alzheimer’s. Alcohol increases HDL (the good cholesterol), and reduces platelet aggregation and the risk of stroke. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces insulin resistance—linked with hypertension, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
In a meta-analysis of 23 large population studies, researchers concluded that low to moderate consumption of alcohol was associated with a 38% reduced risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This did not hold true for vascular dementia. As well, the evidence between alcohol consumption and cognitive function was strongest for wine.
These preliminary results showing a beneficial effect of moderate alcohol intake on cognitive decline are interesting. However, there is no firm conclusion as other factors may have affected the resulting observations; those individuals who drank a moderate amount of alcohol may be living a healthier lifestyle in terms of diet, exercise and antioxidant consumption. More research is required for a definitive answer.
(SOURCE: Crichton, G.E., et al., "Review of Dairy Consumption and Cognitive Performance in Adults: Findings and Methodological Issues," Dement. Geriatr. Cogn. Disord. 2010; 30: 352-61)
(SOURCE: Peters, R., et al., "Alcohol, dementia and cognitive decline in the elderly: a systematic review," Age and Ageing, 2006; 37: 505-12.)
Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin is a daily e-letter providing natural health news with a focus on natural healing through foods, herbs and other breakthrough health alternative treatments. For more information on Doctors Health Press, visit http://www.doctorshealthpress.com.
The Doctors Health Press believes in the healing properties of various superfoods, like pistachios, as well as the benefits of taking vitamins and supplements, Chinese herbal remedies and homeopathy. To see a video outlining the Doctors Health Press' views on homeopathic healing, visit http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/homeopathy.
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