Stopping these three will improve Alzheimer's.

1.  Wheat (Increasing Blood Sugar Levels):

•  Impact on Dementia:

Wheat, especially refined wheat products (e.g., white bread, pasta), has a high glycemic index, causing rapid blood sugar spikes. Chronic high blood sugar is linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which can accelerate cognitive decline, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. A 2020 study in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that high glycemic load diets correlate with increased amyloid plaque buildup, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.

•  Stopping Wheat:

Eliminating or reducing refined wheat can stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation, potentially slowing dementia progression. Switching to low-glycemic alternatives (e.g., whole grains like quinoa or oats) or a Mediterranean diet may support brain health. A 2021 Neurology study showed that diets low in high-glycemic foods were associated with better cognitive outcomes in early dementia. However, total wheat elimination (e.g., going gluten-free) isn’t universally necessary unless someone has celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, which some studies (e.g., Nutrients, 2019) suggest may exacerbate cognitive issues in rare cases.

2.  Sugar (Addictive and Raises Blood Sugar):

•  Impact on Dementia:

Excessive sugar intake, like wheat, spikes blood glucose, promoting insulin resistance and neuroinflammation. Sugar’s addictive nature (via dopamine release, as shown in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 2017) can lead to overconsumption, worsening metabolic health. High sugar diets are linked to increased dementia risk; a 2017 Alzheimer’s & Dementia study found that higher sugar consumption correlated with poorer cognitive performance in older adults.

•  Stopping Sugar:

Reducing added sugars (e.g., in sodas, sweets) can lower blood sugar fluctuations and inflammation, potentially improving cognitive function or slowing decline. A 2023 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study showed that low-sugar diets improved memory in mild cognitive impairment patients. Replacing sugar with natural alternatives (e.g., fruit in moderation) or focusing on low-glycemic diets can help.

3.  Drugs (Bad Hallucinations and Side Effects):

•  Impact on Dementia:

Certain drugs, such as benzodiazepines, anticholinergics (e.g., some antihistamines, antidepressants), or antipsychotics, can cause hallucinations, confusion, or cognitive worsening in dementia patients. A 2019 JAMA Internal Medicine study linked long-term anticholinergic use to increased dementia risk. Recreational drugs (e.g., cannabis, opioids) or misuse of prescription drugs can also exacerbate cognitive decline or induce delirium, mimicking or worsening dementia symptoms.

•  Stopping Drugs:

Discontinuing problematic medications under medical supervision may reduce side effects like hallucinations and improve cognitive clarity. For example, a 2020 Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy study noted that deprescribing anticholinergics improved cognitive scores in some dementia patients. For recreational drugs, cessation can reduce neurotoxic effects, though evidence specific to dementia is limited.

•  Caveat:

Never stop prescribed medications without consulting a doctor, as some drugs (e.g., antipsychotics for behavioral symptoms in dementia) require careful tapering. Hallucinations in dementia may also stem from the disease itself (e.g., Lewy body dementia), so stopping drugs alone may not resolve them.

💬 Since March 2024, I have removed flour from my patient’s diet, leading to significant improvements in her digestive health. However, by August 2025, her family grew concerned about her weight and muscle loss. They suggested reintroducing whole grain bread a few times a week. I prepared a peanut butter sandwich and an egg and cheese sandwich for her. On Tuesday, she ate half of a sandwich, and on Thursday, she consumed an entire sandwich for breakfast. That evening, I served pasta, which she finished completely. Her weight reached 119 pounds, a positive outcome. However, the next morning, she experienced confusion, mistaking the toilet for the trash can. This incident led me to conclude that a balanced breakfast containing protein, healthy fats, and limited carbohydrates may benefit patients with Alzheimer’s by supporting cognitive and physical health.

Please refer to "5 Rules of Eating" for more information on how to eat.