Some studies are suggesting that atherosclerosis, or fatty clogging of the arteries, may be contributing to the development and intensity of Alzheimer’s.
By Dawn Flemming
Atherosclerosis is condition in which fats and cholesterol (among other things) build around the artery walls. In other words, it is the clogging of the arteries. It obstructs blood flow in the arteries. Atherosclerosis of the brain arteries means that a buildup of plaque does not allow adequate supply of blood flow to the brain.
The reduction of flood flow can starve the brain of its much needed oxygen which can cause small brain strokes and culminate in effects which contribute to the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in particular.
Autopsies of over a thousand people have found that people with atherosclerosis in the brain have more frequent and intense manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease. Other studies showed that people with less atherosclerosis had a more delayed and stable manifestation of cognitive impairment compared to those with atherosclerosis.
Since atherosclerosis is largely the result of a diet high in animal fats and thus reversible or preventable through diet, it may be that Alzheimer’s may be treated, delayed or even prevented through a diet that is rich in plant-based nutrition and low in animal fat.
For more information documenting studies that associate atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s, please see the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=150&v=WhtpyVhlu28
Dawn Flemming is Director of Business Services at Geriatric In-Home Care in Fresno, California.
