High protein diet reduces risk of Alzheimer’s disease, research finds

A diet high in protein-rich foods such as meat and legumes reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, new research from Edith Cowan University has found.

Researchers from ECU’s School of Medical and Health Sciences examined the diets of 541 Australians and measured the levels of amyloid beta (Aβ) in their brain, which is a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease.

They found that participants with higher levels of protein in their diet were less likely to have high levels of Aβ in their brain, reducing their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Brain boost

The participants were divided into three groups based on their protein intake.

They found that those with the highest consumption, around 118g per day, were 12 times less likely to have high levels of Aβ than those in the lowest consumption group, who ate only 54g per day.

Lead researcher Dr Binosha Fernando said this was the first ever study to examine the relationship between protein consumption and Aβ.

“The research clearly demonstrates that the more protein is eaten the lower the chances someone has of having a high Aβ burden on the brain, which corresponds to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s in the future,” she said.

Looking for a link

Dr Fernando said it was still unknown what was driving the relationship between high protein intake and low Aβ.

“One possibility is that previous studies have shown that a high protein diet is associated with lower blood pressure,” she said.

“High blood pressure is a risk factor for both Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease. We also know that developing cardiovascular disease increases your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”

Dr Fernando said the next step was to further examine what role gender, genetics, age and metabolic factors play in the relationship between protein consumption and Alzheimer’s disease.

Getting enough protein

Protein is found in animal products like beef, pork, lamb, eggs, fish, and poultry, as well as in plant-based foods like legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

Amount of protein in common foods:

Source: US Department of Agriculture

“To get the protective effect that we have demonstrated, you need to be eating about 120g of protein each day, which isn’t too hard” Dr Fernando said.

“For example, if you had a mixed bean and tuna salad for lunch, 100g of chicken and salad for dinner and snacked on a handful of peanuts during the day, you would be getting very close to enough protein to lower your chances of having a high Aβ burden in your brain.”

Lifestyle focus

ECU’s Centre for Excellence for Alzheimer’s disease Research and Care has also recently identified depression and trouble sleeping as potential risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.

The Centre is also currently investigating if a combination of the spice curcumin and fish oil can potentially delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.