Studies have shown that while some foods boost memory, others actually increase risks for memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. These same foods are linked to other serious health problems, making it that much more important to limit or remove them from a senior’s diet.

A healthy diet does more than benefit our waistlines. It improves our heart health, lowers our risk for cancer, diabetes, and other diseases, and keeps our minds healthy. In fact, research has shown that a poor diet impacts memory and increases a person’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Unfortunately, the foods that hamper memory are common staples in the American diet. White breads, pasta, processed meats and cheeses, all of these have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Some experts have even found that whole grain breads are as bad as white breads because they spike blood sugar, which causes inflammation.

Here’s a list of foods linked to increased rates of Alzheimer’s disease.

1. Processed Cheeses
Including American cheese, mozzarella sticks, Cheez Whiz, and Laughing Cow. These foods build up proteins in the body that have been associated with Alzheimer’s.

2. Processed Meats
Such as bacon, smoked turkey from the deli counter and ham. Smoked meats like these contain nitrosamines which cause the liver to produce fats that are toxic to the brain.

3. Beer
Most beers contain nitrites which have been linked to Alzheimer’s.

4. White Foods
Including pasta, cakes, white sugar, white rice and white bread. Consuming these causes a spike in insulin production and sends toxins to the brain.

5. Microwave Popcorn
Contains diacetyl is a chemical that may increase amyloid plaques in the brain. Research has linked a buildup of amyloid plaques to Alzheimer’s disease.