Western Diets Bring Alzheimer's to Developing Countries

Increased animal fat consumption in developing countries is associated with more Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Researchers analyzed dietary data from populations 65 years and older in Japan and in eight developing countries including India, China, and Brazil. As animal fat and calorie consumption increased, so did obesity rates and prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the author, mechanisms for dementia risk include increased obesity and increased intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, and iron.