A study has shown that higher levels of trans fat increases the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease later in life.
The study, which examined 1,628 people over the age of 60, who had normal brain function, revealed that higher levels of trans fat in the blood increases the risk of dementia onset. The researchers measured the participants' levels of trans fats in their blood, as well as their overall health and diet, and followed up after 10 years.
Dr. Jagan Pillai of Cleveland Clinic, who did not take part in the study, said: "What they saw, was that having higher levels of trans fat in the blood, increases your risk of onset of dementia - whether it's from Alzheimer's disease as a cause of dementia - or other kinds of dementia."
Pillai pointed to previous studies which demonstrated that eating the Mediterranean diet, which is low in trans fats, can have a protective effect on the risk of developing dementia. He added that people should recognize that trans fats, which are produced during industrialized food-processing methods, have been shown to have a negative impact on heart health as well.
Author Dr. Toshiharu Ninomiya of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, argued: "These results give us even more reason to avoid trans fats. In the United States, the small amounts still allowed in foods can really add up if people eat multiple servings of these foods, and trans fats are still allowed in many other countries."
Pillai added: "This research clearly demonstrated that your diet, and what you're putting in your body, has an impact on the onset of dementia later on in life. And many aspects that enhance your risk for onset of dementia also increase your risk for cardiovascular disease."
The study by Dr. Ninomiya was published in the October issue of the journal Neurology.
