Dive Brief:
- Researchers from the University of Bath said people who consume diets high in sugar may be at a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to The Telegraph.
- By reviewing brain samples from people with and without Alzheimer's, scientists discovered a specific molecular link between glucose and the disease. It suggested people who consumer a lot of sugar but are not diabetic could be at an increased risk.
- Globally, around 50 million people have Alzheimer's disease. The figure is predicted to more than double to 125 million by 2050.
Dive Insight:
Scientists have long believed that people with diabetes are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The latest evidence suggesting too much sugar also can lead to the disease isn’t too surprising considering the link between the two illnesses. During the past five years, evidence has linked high levels of sugar consumption to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The United States Department of Agriculture estimates the average American consumes between 150 and 170 pounds of refined sugars each year. Nutritionists argue this is too much, and recommend decreasing the amount by 60-70 pounds annually. The World Health Organization recommends that no more than 10% of an adult’s calories come from added sugar or from natural sugars in honey, syrups and fruit juice.
Despite an interest by consumers to eat healthier and switch over to natural or alternative sweeteners, the USDA reported that consumption decreased to 94 grams per day in 2015, still higher than 87 grams in 1970 —hardly numbers that show people are doing much. The one place where sugar consumption does seem to have fallen is soda, which has seen a drop in sales in recent years.
Whether or not this study will have any impact on sugar consumption remains to be seen, but history shows that they generally do not have much of an affect on sales. What does seem to be working is taxes. A 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages instituted in Philadelphia in 2017, for example, has caused sales to drop in some grocery stores by as much as 50%. In November, new soda taxes were approved in San Francisco; Oakland, CA; Boulder, CO and Albany, CA. Other cities are considering similar action.