Sugar May Hold the Key to Memory Problems

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http://mercola.com/2003/feb/15/sugar_memory.htm

 

Sugar May Hold the Key to Memory Problems

 

People with an inability to quickly bring down high blood sugar levels--a

pre-diabetic condition--are more likely to suffer from memory loss. This may

help explain why memory loss occurs as we age.

 

For every Alzheimer's patient, there are eight elderly people who do not have

dementia but whose quality of life is harmed by memory loss.

 

Blood sugar has been thought to play a role, as diabetics have a greater risk of

memory problems, possibly because diabetes harms blood vessels that supply the

brain and other organs.

 

The study of 30 non-diabetic middle-aged and elderly people raises the

possibility that exercise and weight loss, which help control blood sugar

levels, may be able to reverse some of the memory loss that is associated with

aging.

 

Various factors were measured in the study including how participants performed

on several memory tests, how quickly they metabolized blood sugar after a meal,

and, through the use of MRI scans, the size of the hippocampus, the brain region

responsible for learning and recent memory.

 

Results indicated that people who metabolized blood sugar slowly had a smaller

hippocampus and scored worse on tests for recent memory.

 

The brain gets most of its energy from blood sugar, so if glucose stays in the

bloodstream rather than being metabolized into body tissues, the brain has less

fuel available to store memories.

 

The study is the first to show an association between the size of the

hippocampus and the ability to control blood sugar levels in the body. Though

further research is needed, this association suggests that delivery of glucose

may influence hippocampal structure and function, researchers said.

 

Further, if confirmed the results indicate that controlling blood sugar levels

through exercising and eating a healthy diet may help to protect the brain from

memory loss associated with aging.

 

Science Blog February 3, 2003

 

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences February 5, 2003

 

 

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment

 

Memory impairment is a major challenge for many of my patients, especially after

the age of 40. It seems to be a nearly universal problem for all those who are

not following an optimized eating program.

 

I first learned of the importance of insulin in 1995 after I attended a lecture

by Dr. Ron Rosedale, who is likely one of the top natural medicine experts in

the country on this topic.

 

His incredibly informative lecture on insulin and its metabolic effects, which

he gave a few years ago, is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more

about this topic. If you haven’t read his article recently I would strongly

recommend it.

 

Exercise has long been known to be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of

Alzheimer’s. One of the most profound beneficial effects of exercise is in

lowering insulin levels. This is an effect that is largely unappreciated, even

by many exercise experts.

 

I have tested fasting insulin levels on well over 1,000 patients now and it is

quite clear that many people can’t control their insulin levels with an

excellent diet alone.

 

They require regular cardiovascular exercise to sensitize their insulin

receptors and lower the amount of insulin that the body requires to control

elevated blood sugar.

 

Related Articles:

 

Insulin and Its Metabolic Effects

 

Insulin Gene May Affect Longevity

 

 

 

 

 

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