Posted on 10/11/2025 4:39:38 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
A new study reveals a unique look at how junk food rewires the brain's memory hub—leading to risk of cognitive dysfunction. This new research opens the door to early interventions that can prevent even long-term memory loss associated with obesity.
Led by Juan Song, Ph.D., researchers found that a special group of brain cells in the hippocampus, called CCK interneurons, become overly active after eating a high-fat diet (HFD), due to an impaired ability of the brain to receive glucose (sugar).
This overactivity disrupts how the hippocampus processes memory, even after just a few days of high fat diet. This type of diet resembles typical Western-style junk food rich in saturated fat—like cheeseburgers and fries. The discovery also showed that a protein called PKM2, which controls how brain cells use energy, plays a key role in this problem.
Song said, "What surprised us most was how quickly these cells changed their activity in response to reduced glucose availability, and how this shift alone was enough to impair memory."
Brain health study summary:
—Mouse models were placed on high-fat diet resembling fatty junk food before starting behavioral testing.
—Within 4 days of eating high-fat diet, results showed CCK interneurons in the brain's memory hub became abnormally active.
—Results suggest fatty junk foods can affect the brain almost immediately, well before the onset of weight gain or diabetes.
A high-fat diet, rich in saturated fats, could possibly lead to an elevated risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, like dementia and Alzheimer's, according to the study.
The research also shows that restoring brain glucose levels actually calmed down overactive neurons and fixed memory problems in mice. Notably, researchers discovered that dietary interventions like intermittent fasting periods following a high-fat diet were sufficient to normalize CCK interneurons and improve memory function.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Thankfully, it was reversible via diet, as well.
However, this does point to likely issues we all have if we have high glucose levels (Type 2 diabetes) and eat high fat foods a fair amount.
We’re really making problems for ourselves.
“Junk food diet can quickly disrupt memory circuits in the brain...”
So does a vegetarian duet,😎
I wonder if this would apply to people on a Keto diet.
Proving that junkfood makes you stupid, so, you eat more junkfood which makes you dumber, then you eat more junkfood cycle.
There is a very powerful anti-dote for junk food, alcohol, and other unhealthy stuffs. It is DAILY aerobic exercise. I am living proof of my theory. At age 85 I have zero medical issues. And I have indulged in some serious eating during my 55 cruises. In my late 40’s I would order all 4 desserts on dinner menu and eat them all. I had a bad sweet tooth problem. Of course, I gave that up later. During my 20’s and 30’s I would down half a dozen cocktails during office parties. Gave up alcohol at age 60.
The problem with UNC is they gave us Mr. Ralph Baric who helped cook up the planned demic with Mr. Anthony Fauci.
So how much can we trust UNC?
Usually in these studies, high fat goes along with high carbs, the worst of both worlds.
Your body can use one or the other, but not both.
How much can you trust UNC?
How many millions are they paying for Bill Belichek?
That should tell you everything you need to know about the Administration there.
I don’t think so. People on a Keto diet wouldn’t be eating bread (the buns).
Keto doesn't have carbs of consequence.
So you believe a high-fat, high-carb diet is fine?
No.
But I do wonder what we can trust coming from UNC and what we can’t.
Thanks.
I’m glad it worked for you, but everyone is different.
I resigned from well paying job during my mid 50’s due to many health issues. Then I joined a country club and played 5 rounds every week. That was 30 miles of walking every week. Slowly all my health issues disappeared!
Holden Thorp resigned as chancellor because he couldn’t get a handle on the long term institutional corruption.
I just cant win.
Eating food causes the hippo..campus to make you fat like a hippo. Now bring on more cheese puffs!
I am really happy hear that. Good job, and God bless you, my friend.
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