{"id":8473,"date":"2023-10-06T10:14:27","date_gmt":"2023-10-06T15:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/can-sugar-cause-dementia\/"},"modified":"2026-03-30T14:53:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T19:53:55","slug":"can-sugar-cause-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/blog\/2023\/10\/06\/can-sugar-cause-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"Sugar and Dementia: Separating Fact from Fiction"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"8473\" class=\"elementor elementor-8473\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-54a1a6a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"54a1a6a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3c4c483\" data-id=\"3c4c483\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-defe4eb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"defe4eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/leadership-team\/dr-sandra-petersen\/\">Dr. Sandra Petersen<\/a> is the founder of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/services\/memory-care\/\">Connections memory care program<\/a>. <span data-sheets-root=\"1\">She is here today to help dispel some myths surrounding what researchers know about sweet treats and dementia for Santa Fe seniors.<\/span><\/em><\/p><p>Do you try to avoid sugar or limit it in the diet of a loved one? As a doctor, I try to avoid granulated sugar, but there\u2019s always time to indulge. There is a lot of buzz surrounding the link between sugar and dementia. It&#8217;s no secret that too much sugar can negatively affect overall health, but is there really a connection between sugar consumption and risk factors for dementia?<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_6592\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6592\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"blog-80 wp-image-6592 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/10\/pegasus-senior-living-unhealthy-foods-vs-healthy-food.jpeg\" alt=\"Pegasus Senior Living | Healthy vs unhealthy food\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2023\/10\/pegasus-senior-living-unhealthy-foods-vs-healthy-food.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2023\/10\/pegasus-senior-living-unhealthy-foods-vs-healthy-food-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2023\/10\/pegasus-senior-living-unhealthy-foods-vs-healthy-food-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-santa-fe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/2023\/10\/pegasus-senior-living-unhealthy-foods-vs-healthy-food-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6592\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Consuming foods with excess sugar can contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle and lead to dementia.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>What is Dementia?<\/h2><p>Before we dive into the topic, let&#8217;s first define dementia. Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alz.org\/alzheimers-dementia\/facts-figures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<\/a> is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. At least six million Americans experience this form of memory loss.<\/p><p>Other common forms of dementia include:<\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/blog\/frontotemporal-dementia-treatment-care-diagnosis\/\">Frontotemporal dementia<\/a><\/li><li>Vascular dementia<\/li><li>Dementia with Lewy bodies<\/li><li>Mixed dementia<\/li><\/ul><p>Dementia is not a normal part of aging. <span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Contact a medical professional immediately if you notice warning signs of Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia in a loved one near the Santa Fe, New Mexico, area.<\/span><\/p><h2>The Link Between Sugar and Dementia<\/h2><p>While research into the connection between sugar and dementia is ongoing, current evidence does not support a direct causal relationship. Consuming too much sugar can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, increasing the risk of developing dementia.<\/p><p>However, no evidence suggests that sugar consumption directly causes dementia.<\/p><p>It is true that consuming too much sugar can negatively affect the body and brain. While the idea of sugar addiction is still being studied, evidence suggests that sugar can trigger the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain&#8217;s reward center, leading to feelings of pleasure and cravings for more. This response is similar to substance abuse, leading some researchers to suggest that sugar can be addictive.<\/p><p>Queensland University of Technology neuroscientist <a href=\"https:\/\/www.profselenabartlett.com\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Professor Selena Bartlett<\/a> claims to have found evidence that high-sugar diets act on the brain in very similar ways to tobacco, alcohol, or other physically addictive substances.<\/p><p>According to Bartlett\u2019s research, sugar seems to adversely impact the hippocampus and longer-term brain structures involved in decision-making and pleasure.<\/p><p>Most research on sugar\u2019s impact focuses on a small horseshoe-shaped region in the middle of the brain, about level with the ear, called the hippocampus. It is responsible for memory formation and navigation; to do that, it must continually build new neurons or rewire existing pathways.<\/p><p>Sugar seems to \u201cshort-circuit\u201d that ability to generate new neurons or rewire the brain \u2014 significantly impacting memory over time.<\/p><h2>Can Sugar Cause Dementia?<\/h2><p>The short answer is no. No definitive evidence supports the claim that sugar consumption causes dementia. However, a diet high in sugar can lead to other health issues that increase the risk of developing dementia.<\/p><p>Consuming too much sugar can lead to inflammation in the body and brain. It\u2019s linked to various health problems, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer&#8217;s.<\/p><p>Inflammation can cause oxidative stress, damaging cells, including neurons, and leading to cognitive decline.<\/p><p>It&#8217;s important to note that not all sugar is created equal. Natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables are not as harmful to the body as refined sugars found in processed foods and drinks. Consuming too much refined sugar can lead to a variety of health problems beyond inflammation, including:<\/p><ul><li>Weight gain<\/li><li>Type 2 diabetes<\/li><li>Heart disease<\/li><\/ul><p>Limiting sugar intake and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/7909431\/have-a-family-history-of-dementia-or-alzheimers-heres-how-to-protect-your-brain-as-you-age\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">maintaining a balanced diet<\/a> are vital to prevent these adverse effects. These changes include choosing whole foods over processed foods and limiting sugary snacks and drinks.<\/p><p>Minor changes to diet can go a long way in improving overall health and reducing the risk of developing chronic health conditions, including those associated with inflammation and cognitive decline. A well-rounded lifestyle can support indulging in a sweet treat every once in a while.<\/p><p>One study published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) found that diets high in inflammatory proteins contribute to a higher risk of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/do-pro-inflammatory-diets-harm-our-health-and-can-anti-inflammatory-diets-help-2020122321624\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cardiovascular disease<\/a>. Vascular dementia is linked to heart problems.<\/p><p>A significant portion of my Connections memory care program relies on socialization and exercise. Physical movement <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aarp.org\/health\/dementia\/info-2022\/exercise-slows-memory-loss.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">can slow memory loss<\/a> for people with Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia.<\/p><p>Lonely older adults are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nprillinois.org\/2023-01-17\/social-isolation-linked-to-an-increased-risk-of-dementia-new-study-finds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">27 percent more likely to develop dementia<\/a> than their socially and physically active peers. Inactivity can lead to conditions linked to dementia, such as stroke and depression.<\/p><h2>Does Sugar Affect Dementia?<\/h2><p>While sugar consumption does not directly cause dementia, it can affect it. As mentioned earlier, consuming too much sugar can lead to health issues that increase the risk of developing dementia.<\/p><p>Diets high in sugar have been linked to reduced cognitive functioning and memory problems in older adults. Reducing sugar intake could have a positive impact on cognitive health.<\/p><p>People with dementia may have a sweet tooth for a few different reasons.<\/p><p>One possible explanation is that as dementia progresses, the brain&#8217;s ability to identify flavors correctly may decline. People with dementia may find sweet flavors more appealing, as they are easier to detect and enjoy.<\/p><p>Another explanation is that people with dementia may be experiencing a shift in their biological clock, leading to changes in their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/blog\/alzheimers-care-sleep-tips-washington\/\">sleep-wake cycle<\/a>. This can disrupt standard eating patterns, increasing appetite and craving certain foods, including sweets.<\/p><p>People with dementia often experience changes in their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/blog\/warning-signs-dementia-personality-changes\/\">mood and behavior<\/a>, which can lead to emotional eating. They may turn to comfort foods such as sweets as a way to cope with their emotions.<\/p><p>There are a variety of reasons why people with dementia may crave sweets. <span data-sheets-root=\"1\">It\u2019s essential for caregivers and loved ones in Santa Fe to provide a balanced diet while also considering the preferences and needs of the person with dementia.<\/span><\/p><p>While there is ongoing research into the connection between sugar and dementia, current evidence does not suggest a direct causal relationship. However, it&#8217;s clear that consuming too much sugar can lead to a variety of health problems that increase the risk of developing dementia.<\/p><p>Maintaining a balanced diet and limiting sugar intake is important to reduce the risk of developing additional health conditions, including dementia.<\/p><h2>How to Reduce Sugar Cravings: Expert Tips from Dr. Sandra Petersen<\/h2><p>Do you find yourself reaching for that chocolate bar or sneaking in an extra donut more often than you&#8217;d like? You&#8217;re not alone. Many of us battle sugar cravings, but the good news is that there are effective ways to curb them.<\/p><h3>Understanding Sweet Cravings<\/h3><p>Firstly, it&#8217;s essential to understand that sugar cravings often indicate high blood sugar levels.<\/p><p>When we consume foods with added sugar, our blood sugar spikes, leading to a rush of energy. However, what goes up must come down, and these highs are frequently followed by lows \u2013 leaving us craving more sugar.<\/p><p>Every step you take towards a healthier lifestyle contributes to better brain health. <span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Santa Fe seniors can start today by taking control of their sugar cravings.<\/span><\/p><h3>5 Practical Tips to Curb Sugar Cravings<\/h3><p><strong>1. Stay Hydrated<br \/><\/strong>Dehydration can sometimes be confused with sugar cravings. Ensure you drink enough water throughout the day to keep these cravings at bay.<\/p><p><strong>2. Eat Regular, Balanced Meals<br \/><\/strong>Regular meals rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats will help stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent the rollercoaster of sugar highs and lows.<\/p><p><strong>3. Opt for Natural Sugars<br \/><\/strong>Try satisfying your sweet tooth with fresh fruit instead of reaching for foods with added sugar. However, be mindful of overconsumption, and remember that even natural sugars like those found in fruit juice should be consumed in moderation.<\/p><p><strong>4. Exercise Regularly<br \/><\/strong>Physical activity can help regulate your blood sugar levels and reduce cravings.<\/p><p><strong>5. Get Enough Sleep<br \/><\/strong>Lack of sleep can increase cravings for sugary foods. Ensure you&#8217;re getting sufficient rest each night.<\/p><p>Remember, it&#8217;s normal to crave sugar occasionally, but if you constantly battle these cravings, it may be a sign of excess sugar consumption. Making small, gradual changes to your diet and lifestyle can make a significant difference in managing these cravings.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f59c745 uael-aspect-ratio-16_9 uael-youtube-subscribe-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-uael-video\" data-id=\"f59c745\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"uael-video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-video__outer-wrap  uael-video-type-youtube uael-video-play-lightbox\" data-device=\"false\" data-vsticky=\"no\" data-hidedesktop=\"\" data-hidetablet=\"\" data-hidemobile=\"\" data-vsticky-viewport=\"0\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;video&quot;,&quot;videoType&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/embed\\\/bYC-JR2n_YA?rel=0&amp;start&amp;end&amp;controls=1&amp;mute=0&amp;modestbranding=0&amp;&quot;,&quot;modalOptions&quot;:{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;elementor-lightbox-f59c745&quot;,&quot;entranceAnimation&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;entranceAnimation_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;entranceAnimation_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;videoAspectRatio&quot;:&quot;169&quot;}}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-video-inner-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-video__play\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bYC-JR2n_YA?rel=0&amp;start&amp;end&amp;controls=1&amp;mute=0&amp;modestbranding=0&amp;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"uael-video__thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/pegasus-neuroplasticity-in-memory-care-video-thumbnail-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/img>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-video__play-icon uael-animation-\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa fa-play-circle\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67b28c5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"67b28c5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>About Dr. Sandra Petersen<\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Petersen (DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, GNP-BC, PMHNP-BE, FAANP) is the Senior VP of Health and Wellness for Pegasus Senior Living. She has worked in senior living since modern assisted living and memory care began over 30 years ago.<\/span><\/i><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her signature program for memory care encourages people with Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia to:<\/span><\/i><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Learn<br \/><\/i><\/b><b><i>Move<br \/><\/i><\/b><b style=\"font-style: inherit;\"><i>Connect<\/i><\/b><i style=\"font-weight: inherit;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find the Connections program at a <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/communities\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pegasus Senior Living community<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> near you.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-d331458 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"d331458\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3fdacb7\" data-id=\"3fdacb7\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Sandra Petersen is the founder of our Connections memory care program. She is here today to help dispel some myths surrounding what researchers know about sweet treats and dementia for Santa Fe seniors. Do you try to avoid sugar or limit it in the diet of a loved one? As a doctor, I try [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6205,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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