Dementia affects approximately 47 million people worldwide and approximately 1 million people in Turkey. Making statements due to September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day, experts shared data from the latest research on the disease. President of the Alzheimer’s Association of Turkey, Prof. Dr. Başar Bilgiç gave information about the relationship between nutrition and brain health, which emerged in a study conducted with 8,160 people in Brazil.
President of the Alzheimer’s Association of Turkey, Prof. Dr. Başar Bilgiç, Member of the Board of Directors Prof. Dr. Türker Şahiner, President of Marmara Branch Prof. Dr. Aslı Demirtaş Tatlıdede, Member of the Board of Directors Assoc. Dr. Nil Tekin, General Manager Füsun Kocaman and Board Member Assoc. Dr. Bedia Samanci joined.
Providing important information at the meeting, President of the Alzheimer’s Association of Turkey Prof. Dr. Başar Bilgiç shared the current developments in diagnosis and treatment methods, and also cited an important research on the relationship between nutrition and brain health.
8,160 people surveyed: Processed foods cause mental problems
Reminding that the most effective diet in the prevention of dementia is the Mediterranean diet, Prof. Dr. Bilgiç shared the results of a study conducted with 8,160 people in Brazil. Stating that ultra-processed foods cause mental problems in dementia, Prof. Dr. Bilgiç said, “If more than 20% of the foods consumed daily consist of ultra-processed factory-produced foods such as salami, sausages, chips, instant soups and foods, soft drinks, packaged ice cream and confectionery, the risk of memory problems and other mental declines increases.” He gave his information and recommended to stay away from these foods for brain health.
Prof. Dr. Bilgiç: “Artificial intelligence can diagnose nearly 100% correctly”
Stating that there are difficulties in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, Prof. Dr. Bilgiç stated that artificial intelligence has had a significant impact in recent years. “In a study conducted in England, 98% of the patients were correctly diagnosed by examining standard brain MRI images with artificial intelligence. This is the highest diagnosis rate ever achieved.” Speaking as Prof. Dr. Bilgiç emphasized that with this method, misdiagnosis and incomplete diagnosis can be prevented.
“New generation diabetes drugs show promise in Alzheimer’s treatment”
Prof. Dr. Bilgiç said that the discussions about the drug called “Aducanumab”, which was approved for use in Alzheimer’s treatment last year, continue and that new drugs with the same mechanism as this drug will be approved for use very soon. Stating that drugs that reduce inflammation and improve metabolism are particularly promising, Prof. Dr. Bilgic continued his words as follows:
“Especially, new generation diabetes drugs are very promising as they both improve metabolism and reduce inflammation. In our country, these drugs are being tested in Alzheimer’s patients. We can achieve important results related to these studies in the coming years.”
