The Link Between High-Sugar Diets and Brain Decline
A study conducted on fruit flies has revealed that a high-sugar diet, commonly associated with obesity, can lead to insulin resistance in the brain, impairing the ability of glial cells to clear neuronal debris. This impaired debris-clearing process is crucial for preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study found that the sugar-rich diet decreased the levels of the PI3k protein in glial cells and the Draper protein in ensheathing glia, hindering their ability to remove neuronal debris. These findings provide new insights into the connection between diet-induced insulin resistance and the increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, offering potential avenues for preventive therapies.