High salt intake has been linked to a number of health conditions, but new research suggests too much of it may play a role in the onset of dementia.
A study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology has heavily evaluated the relationship between high salt intake and cognitive impairment, as well as hypertension. Findings show that excessive amounts of the mineral impacts a protein that plays a key role in Alzheimer's disease - dementia's most common form.
While it makes for a tasty seasoning, excessive salt intake has been proven to raise blood pressure, a high risk factor for other serious heart conditions like strokes and heart attacks. It is also present in many processed foods and the World Health Organization recommends that adults limit their intake to no more than five grams of salt a day.
Findings were uncovered by scientists at the Fujita Health University in Japan, where dementia is highly prevalent. While previous studies have examined the links between cognitive decline and high salt intake, the latest research studied its effect on the body's nervous systems, which others have not thoroughly looked at.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of conditions that affect the brain and Alzheimer's is the most common form. With no cure, scientists say their findings are critical in developing preventative and therapeutic drugs for the degenerative brain disorder.
Through examination of lab mice, researchers found that the addition of excessive phosphates that make up salt to a protein called 'tau' is primarily responsible for emotional and cognitive consequences. Tau proteins stabilise the nerve cell skeleton in the brain, and previous scientific evidence suggests that Alzheimer's occurs when this tau protein becomes misshapen.
Increased enzyme activity causes tau proteins to clump and fold, forming neurofibrillary tangles and these accumulate in specific parts of the brain involved in memory. However, many other factors play a role in the formation of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.
If you're concerned about developing dementia, there are a number of steps you can take that may help prevent its onset. A previous study recently found that exercise can boost memory and help treat Alzheimer's.
Meanwhile, scientists have also found evidence that eating more leafy green vegetables may also stave off the disease. An online dementia calculator is also available to estimate your risk of developing it based on your current lifestyle.
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