Afternoon sugar snacks may raise dementia risk

Experts cited research linking high-sugar diets to increased dementia risk and noted that sugary snacks eaten in the afternoon can cause larger blood sugar spikes and may disturb sleep.

New reporting gathers expert views on a common afternoon eating habit and its possible effects on brain health. Researchers and clinicians discussed evidence linking diets high in added sugars to higher dementia risk. They emphasized that sugary snacks later in the day tend to produce larger blood glucose swings and can interfere with sleep. The experts referenced mechanisms such as blood vessel injury, inflammation, brain insulin resistance, and buildup of proteins like beta-amyloid and tau. What experts reported: - Multiple experts pointed to research connecting a high-sugar diet with increased risk of dementia. - Sugary foods can drive large variations in blood glucose that may damage small blood vessels, raise inflammation, and reduce fuel available to brain cells, experts said. - Several experts noted that glucose intolerance tends to be lower in the later part of the day, making afternoon sugar intake more likely to produce dramatic spikes and to affect sleep. - Experts distinguished whole fruit and foods with fiber from refined sweets, and described pairing sugary items with fiber, protein or fats as a way to blunt blood sugar spikes. Summary: Experts reported that higher intake of added sugars is linked with factors associated with dementia, including blood sugar variability, inflammation and disrupted sleep. They noted that sugary snacks in the afternoon can produce larger glucose spikes and may interfere with the brain’s overnight clearing processes. Experts also described differences between refined sweets and whole fruit and discussed moderation and food pairings as measures to reduce blood sugar swings. Undetermined at this time.