A study by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that a diet high in ultra-processed foods, such as hot dogs and packaged snacks, is associated with a higher risk of dementia. Individuals consuming the most ultra-processed foods daily faced a 58% greater risk of developing dementia and a 46% increased risk of cognitive impairment compared to those who consumed the least.
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Senior author Cindy Leung, an associate professor of public health nutrition, noted that the study found lower risks of dementia for those who consumed more minimally processed foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. In a CNN article from June 5, Leung pointed out that even moderate intake of ultra-processed foods could pose risks for cognitive health, stating, "[The study] really shows there may not be a safe level."
The research analyzed diet and health data from over 5,300 adults aged 50 and older, who took part in the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study over an average period of nine years. The study controlled for various factors that could influence health, such as education, income, smoking habits, physical activity, and alcohol consumption.
Specific findings indicated that consumption of processed meats, particularly bacon, was linked to the highest risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. Previous research has also connected ultra-processed foods to numerous chronic conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes, which are all factors associated with increased dementia risk.
The study further suggests that certain additives found in ultra-processed foods may alter the gut microbiome, potentially leading to inflammation and, ultimately, dementia.