- A recent study suggests that consuming a junk food-heavy diet for just a few days may negatively impact memory function.
- Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that saturated fats in junk food cause brain cells in the hippocampus to become overactive, a condition previously associated with dementia.
- This hyperactivity is linked to impaired glucose reception by brain cells and the involvement of a protein called PKM2, as observed in mouse studies.
- Dr Juan Song highlighted the surprising speed with which these cellular changes occurred and their direct impact on memory impairment.
- The study also indicated that intermittent fasting and other dietary shifts could normalise these overactive brain cells in rodents, suggesting potential future treatments for cognitive decline in humans.
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