Only 1% Of This Bolivian Community Gets Dementia- This Is What They Eat Everyday

As the world continues to search for the key to healthy ageing, an isolated Indigenous community in the Amazon rainforest may hold the solution to all problems. The Tsimané people of Bolivia have been recognized for having some of the healthiest hearts on the planet and significantly slower brain ageing compared to their counters in industrial societies. Astonishingly, only 1% of their elderly population shows signs of dementia, in stark contrast to 11% of Americans aged 65 and older.

A study led by researchers from the University of Southern California suggests that the Tsimané’s pre-industrial lifestyle, which balances physical activity and a nutrient-rich diet, plays a crucial role in their overall health. "This ideal set of conditions for disease prevention prompts us to consider whether our industrialized lifestyles increase our risk of disease," said Dr Andrei Irimia, an associate professor at USC’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

The Tsimané people, which number around 7,000 ti total, live in remote regions of Bolivia's lowland rainforest. Their daily lives revolve around fishing, hunting, farming, and foraging, ensuring that they remain physically active throughout their lives. They share their homeland with the Mosetén, another indigenous group.

In 2022, researchers found that both the Tsimané and Mosetén exhibit significantly lower rates of dementia compared to industrialized nations. Additionally, previous studies have shown that their brains experience much less age-related atrophy, which is the loss of brain tissue, brain atrophy is a key contributor to cognitive decline, functional impairment, and dementia.

Diet Is A Key Player

For most of us, processed foods are an inevitable part of our diet. On the Tsimané thrive on a high-fiber, nutrient-dense diet. Their meals primarily consist of plantains, cassava, rice, corn, fish, and lean meats, with minimal processed sugars and fats. Remarkably, about 70% of their caloric intake comes from natural carbohydrates, providing twice the fibre of the average Western diet. Their food is also rich in essential minerals such as selenium, potassium, and magnesium, which support cognitive and cardiovascular health.

Additionally, the Tsimané engage in near-constant physical activity, averaging about 17,000 steps per day. Hunting, gathering, and farming require them to stay on their feet for long hours, reinforcing the link between an active lifestyle and brain health. Even more interesting is the natural incorporation of intermittent fasting into their lifestyle, a practice that has been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved brain function.

Healthy Brain Despite Inflammation

One of the most surprising findings about the Tsimané is their high levels of inflammation, which would typically be associated with cognitive decline in Western populations. However, researchers speculate that their inflammation is primarily due to infections rather than metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes. This distinction may explain why their brain health remains intact despite elevated inflammatory markers.

With global dementia cases projected to triple by 2050, researchers emphasize the urgency of identifying lifestyle factors that can slow cognitive decline. The Tsimané provides a compelling case study, demonstrating how the choices we make about diet and activity levels can have a profound impact on longevity and brain health.