A recent review published in the August 2026 issue of the Annual Review of Nutrition has revealed a significant association between processed meat consumption and an increased risk of dementia. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 500,000 individuals in the U.K. and found that for each additional 25 grams of processed meat consumed daily, there was a 44 percent higher risk of all-cause dementia and a 52 percent higher risk of Alzheimer's disease.
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The study also examined the broader impact of ultra-processed foods on brain aging. Processed meats, which include items like deli turkey, ham, salami, and bologna, are often considered ultra-processed due to their high sodium, fat, and preservative content. The amount of 25 grams corresponds to roughly one to two slices of deli meat, highlighting that even small daily servings can contribute to health risks.
Owen Carmichael, PhD, the lead author from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, emphasized the need for consumers to understand the potential effects of food items on health, particularly brain health. While processed meats are well-known for their negative impact on cardiovascular health, the connection to brain health is still being explored. One theory suggests that these foods may adversely affect heart and blood vessel health, which in turn could influence brain function.
Individuals do not need to eliminate processed meats entirely from their diets, but those who consume them daily might consider incorporating more minimally processed or whole food protein sources. The review indicates that substituting some ultra-processed foods with whole foods could potentially reduce dementia risk by 19 percent.