UK sugar rationing linked to lower dementia risk

A study of 64,737 people born in the United Kingdom before and after World II sugar rationing found that exposure to limited sugar intake before birth and during the first two years of life was associated with a 21‑23% lower risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Participants who experienced early‑life sugar restriction also developed dementia on average 2.5‑2.9 years later than those without such exposure. The research, published in the journal Neurology, was led by Prof Jiazhen Zheng of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Medical records were followed for an average of 15 years, with adjustments for age, sex, hypertension and other risk factors. Zheng said the findings suggest “limiting sugar during the earliest stages of life may have lasting benefits for brain health.” While experts note that other wartime dietary changes could also play a role, the study adds to evidence that early‑life nutrition may influence long‑term brain health.