Overeating May Lead to Memory Loss: How to Fight Back

Memory loss in older people is related to calorie intake, according to a recent study by the American Academy of Neurology. According to the report, older people who consumed more than 2,142 calories a day had more than double the risk of a type of memory loss called mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to those who ate fewer than 1,500 calories a day.

This isn't the first study to show a link between high calorie intake and mild cognitive impairment. Yonas Geda, a neuropsychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, said to USA Today that investigations in Australia have also shown the risks for older people.

According to USA Today, those with MCI encounter problems with memory, language and thinking. The Alzheimer's Association says that while people may notice these differences in those affected by MCI, it is not serious enough to interfere with daily life. MCI is not as simple as normal forgetfulness, but the condition is between that and early Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association enforces that those affected with MCI now don't always develop Alzheimer's later.

While high calorie intake may increase risk of mild cognitive impairment, eating healthy may reverse it. A study done at Temple University showed that those with early stages of cognitive decline may be able to reverse brain impairment with a nutrient-rich diet.

Researchers at Temple University used lab mice to examine the effects that food had on brain disorders. They found that when the mice were fed protein-rich foods like red meat, eggs and beans for three months, they had begun to develop mild cognitive impairment. The researchers then switched the mice to a healthy, nutrient-rich diet and in two months the cognitive impairment had been reversed.

So what should be in your nutrient-rich diet? According to nutrientrichfoods.org, in the grain department it's best to eat multi-grain bread, wheat cereal, corn tortillas, and pretzels to name a few. A diet of fruits is also important as well. Apples, bananas, and strawberries are all part of a nutrient-rich diet. Nutrientrichfoods.org also lists lamp chops, beef tenderloin and skinless chicken as key foods to a nutrient-rich died.