Study Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Decreased Attention and Cognitive Decline

Researchers from Monash University, the University of São Paulo, and Deakin University analyzed dietary and cognitive data from over 2,100 middle-aged and older Australians without dementia. Their findings were published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring.

The study revealed that even small increases in the intake of ultra-processed foods were correlated with declines in attention and mental processing speed. Lead author Dr. Barbara Cardoso from Monash University noted that this adds to existing evidence connecting highly processed foods to poorer brain health. She explained that a 10 percent rise in ultra-processed food consumption is similar to adding a standard packet of chips to one’s daily intake, resulting in decreased focus observed through lower scores on cognitive tests measuring visual attention and processing speed.

Participants derived approximately 41 percent of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods, close to the Australian national average of 42 percent. These foods include items like soft drinks, packaged snacks, and ready-made meals, all of which undergo extensive industrial processing that significantly alters their natural structure.

Notably, the research highlighted that the negative impact on attention was evident regardless of the overall diet quality, including among those adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet. Dr. Cardoso emphasized that the degree of food processing might be crucial, as many processed foods contain potentially harmful additives that could affect cognitive functions adversely.

Moreover, the study found that higher ultra-processed food consumption correlated with increased dementia risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure, conditions that can be managed to promote long-term brain health. Although a direct link between ultra-processed foods and memory loss was not established, the research suggests that declines in attention could signal broader cognitive changes, as attention is vital for learning and problem-solving.

The study team included co-authors from various institutions and was supported by multiple research foundations, including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Alzheimer's Association. Funding was provided to several researchers from the project, allowing for the extensive analysis of dietary patterns and cognitive health.