10 Reasons Why You Should Cut Down on Sugar

5. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

On top of immediate cognitive impairment, maintaining a diet high in sugar will also put you at a greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia later in life. This is because sugar decreases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an important chemical linked to memory formation. Low levels of this chemical can be an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.