What used to help humans survive famines—slowing down metabolism and storing fat—might now be causing Alzheimer’s because we’re always eating sugar and never getting a break.

The same body response that helps you survive famine might also cause the brain energy problems and inflammation seen in early Alzheimer’s.

If this theory is right, cutting sugar or taking a pill that blocks fructose might help stop or slow Alzheimer’s—but we don’t know yet.

Eating too much sugar, white bread, or salty food might trick your body into thinking it’s starving, which could over time harm your brain and raise Alzheimer’s risk.