Eating too much salt increases risk of Alzheimer's by depriving brain of oxygen

Salt is an essential component in almost all cuisines across the globe, but too much of it can affect more than just your taste buds. While high consumption of salt is associated with several health issues, it can also be detrimental for the mind.

A new study found that eating too much salt can lead to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Experiments suggest that salty foods cause an inflammatory immune response that cuts the supply of oxygen to the brain and harms neurons.

While this causes behavioural and mental problems in people, getting back to a normal diet can reverse the effects. Although scientists aren’t sure about the exact cause behind Alzheimer’s, lifestyle and genetic factors are known to contribute to it.

Doctors say that functioning of neurons depends on a steady supply of glucose and oxygen, the absence of which can lead to cognitive and memory impairments.