In a recent study from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, scientists found higher serum levels of elaidic acid, a biomarker for industrial trans fat, are linked to a higher risk for developing all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The team examined the link between serum elaidic acid levels and dementia incidence in 1,628 Japanese people aged 60 years and older.
Participants did a screening examination in 2002 and 2003 and were followed to November 2012. The researchers found that 377 participants developed some type of dementia during follow-up.
There were strong links between higher serum elaidic acid levels and a higher risk for developing all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
After adjustment for energy intake and intakes of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, these associations remained very strong.
But there was no strong link between serum elaidic acid levels and vascular dementia.
The team says it is important to reduce trans fatty acids in the food supply to protect brain health in older people.
In addition, public health policy needs to educate people about healthy food choices that may contribute to the primary prevention of dementia.
The study is published in Neurology. One author is Takanori Honda, Ph.D. from Kyushu University in Fukuoka.
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