…d blood flow to the brain, and the body’s inability to maintain and repair brain tissue and neurons. High blood pressure can cause microbleeds in the brain. High LDL levels (bad cholesterol) and saturated fat can clog up brain arteries, reducing blood flow or creating blockages that directly cause brain damage. Saturated fat also stunts the brain’s ability to repair itself by depressing a growth protein called BDNF. Lastly, high levels of an amino acid called homocysteine can cause brain atrophy. High levels of homocysteine are caused by an imbalance of B vitamins.