A recent study has shown a scary link between salt consumption and decreased cognitive function associated with dementia. The research was recently published in the British Journal of Pharmacology and suggests there may be new therapeutic targets for hypertension-induced dementia.
Scientists at Fujita Health University's Graduate School of Health Science found significant changes in mice fed a high salt diet, which has been shown to raise blood pressure in humans, contributing to a majorly increased risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia.
Consuming a diet high in salt disrupts the body's natural sodium balance, leading to an imbalance in fluid levels. This causes fluid retention, meaning an elevation in blood pressure.
These blood flow problems are key to developing dementia, so consuming a high salt diet significantly increases your risk of developing the disease.
On the findings, Dr Akihiro Mouri, a Professor at Fujita Health University, said: "This study is of particular social and economic importance because the annual social cost of dementia treatment in Japan is surging like never before."Therefore, developing preventive and therapeutic drugs for dementia seems critical for Japan's rapidly aging population."
Meanwhile in the UK, there are around one million people suffering from dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Society. The terrible disease costs the NHS £23billion a year and with the nation's population ageing, this is forecast to triple by 2040.
Reduce your risk of developing dementia
There are many ways you can reduce your risk of developing dementia by taking simple steps each day. Avoiding foods high in saturated fat, salt and sugar will help in lowering your blood pressure and slim down if you are overweight.
Instead, you should be eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fish, legumes, beans, vegetables, fruit, Greek yoghurt and wholegrains.
The NHS also states that everyone should be active and do at least: "150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling or dancing. You should also do strengthening exercises at least twice a week."
You should also avoid drinking excessively and smokers should give up the habit altogether, as lighting up causes your arteries to become narrower, which can raise your blood pressure.
