More than 5 million adults in the United States suffer from dementia, the Alzheimer's Association reports. Dementia is a serious public health problem that contributes to loss of work days, medication-related costs and stress on familial caregivers. Lifestyle factors can help reduce the risk of dementia in certain people. Additionally, soy protein may play a role in the development of dementia. Background
Many cases of dementia are caused by the deposition of a certain type of plaque on the cells that make up your brain, MayoClinic.com reports. However, they report that poor blood flow to the brain -- often the result of a stroke -- causes dementia in certain people. Risk factors for dementia include old age, alcohol abuse, genetics and cardiovascular disease. Evidence
Loughborough University's Eric Hogervorst, PhD., notes that several research studies have linked high soy intake with dementia and poor memory. In a research study published by Hogervorst and his colleagues in the May 2008 issue of the journal "Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders," it was discovered that tofu intake was associated with poor memory and dementia in a group of 700 older adults. Mechanisms
Hogervorst notes that high levels of the hormone estrogen are tied to dementia. Soy protein is rich in compounds known as phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds that are found in soy foods. A paper published in the April 2000 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" states that estrogen interferes with brain pathways important for learning and memory. Soy may also contribute to dementia due to the presence of toxins in processed soy foods, Hogervorst adds. Considerations
The connection between soy and dementia is not yet clear. For example, the "Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders" study found that intake of tepeh -- a soy-rich food -- was actually associated with improved memory, possibly due to its low concentration of phytoestrogens. As with all dietary changes, talk to your doctor before eliminating soy from your diet.
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