The excess use of salt in almost all food products makes Indians prone to dementia, say experts. “Findings indicate excessive salt intake affects mental agility. Salt clogs the arteries, causing hypertension and atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries),” neurologist Dr Suvarna Alladi, of the Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, said. “This hardening could reduce blood oxygen supply to the brain, impacting its functioning. “Even strokes are not ruled out by this progression, and cases of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s are also possible.”
Dr Gyaneshwar, of Sri Krishna Super Specialty Neuro Hospital, explained: “A maximum of six grams of salt is advised for an adult of 70 kg. This will reduce occurrence of ailments such as stroke, hemorrhage and dementia.” Dr Lakshmaiah, deputy director (community studies division), National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, said: “WHO recommends 5gm salt per day. Most Indian cuisines, however, overshoot that, as we add salt in everything from buttermilk to papad.”
Experts suggest the intake of food rich in antioxidants, nuts, green vegetables and fish in order to avoid the negative impacts of high salt intake. “Vitamin E and folate found in fruits, green vegetables, fish and nuts reverse the impact of high salt intake,” Dr Suvarna said.