Does junk food cause long-term brain damage?
Advertisement
A study led by USC found that a junk food-filled high-fat, sugary diet may disrupt brain memory ability for a long time in adolescents.
The study appears in the May issue of the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.
Long-term junk food consumption affects key brain regions. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, shows reduced activity, leading to impaired decision-making and increased impulsivity. The hippocampus, crucial for learning and memory, is also negatively affected, impairing memory retention.
In the study, researchers tracked acetylcholine levels in rats on a fatty, sugary diet and a control group by analyzing brain responses to memory tests. Post-mortem brain examinations were conducted to assess acetylcholine disruptions. The memory test involved rats exploring new objects in different locations, followed by reintroducing them to similar scenes with one new object added. Rats on the junk food diet struggled to remember previously seen objects and their locations, unlike the control group, which showed familiarity.
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.