ALZHEIMER’S

product of insulin that breaks down both insulin and amyloid proteins in the brain, which are the same proteins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, is a factor in the connection to dementia.

People who have type 1 diabetes and don’t produce enough insulin can’t break down the amyloid proteins naturally. Furthermore, those who take insulin to treat diabetes can end up with a surplus of insulin in the body. The insulin-degrading enzyme gets used up trying to break the surplus down. This doesn’t leave enough enzyme to tackle amyloid brain clumping proteins. These same scenarios can occur in people if their blood sugar levels are elevated, even if they don’t have diabetes yet.

According to data published by Harvard Health, people who have elevated blood sugar levels, or roughly 100 mg/dL or higher after a fast, can tame sugar levels by exercising, losing weight and shifting away from highly refined grains. People also may want to favor a Mediterranean style of eating, which focuses on fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables and beans over a processed carbohydrateand sugar-laden diet.

Making simple lifestyle changes can keep older adults healthy throughout their golden years.

—MetroCreativeConnection