Malnutrition’s Role in Disease Onset

Malnutrition has been found to drive the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and the progression of the disease in turn leads to increased malnutrition. Addressing individuals’ nutritional needs more effectively may help reduce the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The study in question focused on two diets: the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet. The research aimed to investigate the complex relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and malnutrition, suggesting that early identification and dietary intervention for individuals at risk of malnutrition could potentially reduce their chances of developing Alzheimer’s.

As the global population ages, the rate of new cases of age-related dementia has decreased in many countries, as per the Lancet Commission’s 2020 report. This decline has been attributed to improvements in nutrition, education, healthcare, and lifestyle choices. The Commission highlighted that 12 modifiable factors account for 40% of dementias worldwide, including issues like less education, hypertension, smoking, depression, and physical inactivity. The positive aspect is that these factors can be altered. Research has indicated that in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, a significant decrease in body mass index may serve as an early indicator of cognitive decline. As Alzheimer’s progresses, malnutrition tends to worsen, leading to lower weight, BMI, and lean fat mass, and a higher fat mass in individuals at each stage of Alzheimer’s.

The observational study undertaken in China involved 266 participants, with a focus on their dietary quality based on adherence to the Mediterranean and MIND diets. While no significant difference in diet scores was noted between the three groups (cognitively healthy, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia), slightly lower scores were observed in individuals with Alzheimer’s dementia compared to those with mild cognitive impairment or normal cognition. The study did not specify the foods that contributed to the diet scores, prompting the need for further randomized, prospective trials to better understand the impact of dietary habits on cognitive health. Various measurements and blood samples were taken from participants to assess factors like body mass index, calf circumference, and nutritional risk indicators.

The study found that individuals with Alzheimer’s had lower BMI values, smaller calf and hip circumferences, and lower scores on nutritional assessments. Lower levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, and apolipoprotein A1 were also associated with the disease. A combination of total protein and albumin levels, along with calf circumference, emerged as the most accurate predictor of Alzheimer’s. The Mini Nutritional Assessment score played a significant role in differentiating between mild cognitive impairment and full dementia due to Alzheimer’s. Although not discussed in the research, the potential impact of an altered microbiome on nutrient uptake and energy balance, and their connection to brain health, was highlighted as a compelling area for further study.

People with Alzheimer’s are often at a higher risk of malnutrition due to difficulties in eating, altered taste perception, and behavioral symptoms that affect their nutritional intake. Issues such as chewing and swallowing problems, lack of interest in eating, and dependence on others for nutrition can contribute to malnourishment in individuals with Alzheimer’s. The Mediterranean and MIND diets, both rooted in the traditional Mediterranean eating style, have shown benefits for cardiovascular health, weight loss, and cognitive health when combined with an active lifestyle and social engagement. These diets encourage the consumption of plant-based foods, healthy fats like olive oil, and moderate amounts of fish while limiting processed foods and red meats. Specific foods like berries, nuts, and oily fish are recommended for their cognitive health benefits, but it is essential to ensure these diets are balanced to address potential muscle loss that may impact Alzheimer’s progression.

In conclusion, the study sheds light on the association between Alzheimer’s disease and malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of early identification and intervention to address nutritional deficiencies in individuals at risk. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of dietary habits on cognitive health and the potential role of the microbiome in nutrient uptake. The Mediterranean and MIND diets offer promising approaches to supporting brain health and cognitive function, but a personalized dietary plan developed with guidance from a registered dietician nutritionist is crucial to address individual needs. By focusing on improving nutrition, education, healthcare, and lifestyle choices, it may be possible to reduce the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia on a global scale.