By Franklin Delgado
A new study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Review & Illness Monitoringreveals that a 10% increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) can increase the risk of dementia, even in individuals who maintain a healthy diet.
This finding highlights concerns about the impact of diet on brain health, with potentially serious implications for the population.
This wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the staunch context. Ultra-processed foods represent approximately 53% of all calories consumed by adults in the United States, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Management and Prevention (CDC). Even children get almost 62% of their energy from AUPs.
“Our study showed that consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with poorer attention span and increased risk of dementia in middle-aged and older adults,” said Barbara Cardoso, senior author and senior professor of nutrition, dietetics and food at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, a statement she cited. cnn in order to establish analogies with similar studies.
Relationship between AUP and cognitive functions
The research, which included more than 2,100 Australians aged between 40 and 70, showed that approximately 42% of participants’ typical diet came from AUP.
The study indicates that a 10% increase in consumption is associated with a clear decrease in attention span, measured through standardized cognitive tests.
Cardoso emphasizes that these foods can contribute to negative changes in the endocrine system and intestinal microbiota, which therefore affect cognitive health. This adds to other evidence of links between AUP and risk factors such as obesity and diabetes.
Highest impact ultra-processed foods
The ultra-processed foods with the greatest negative impact on brain health mainly include processed meat products and sugary soft drinks. These raise the risk of cognitive decline, dementia and strokes due to their high content of salt, sugars, saturated fats and additives that promote inflammation and oxidative stress.
Main types
- Processed meats (sausages, sausages, ham, bacon): They increase the risk of cognitive disorders by 17% per daily serving.
- sugary soft drinks: Each daily glass increases the risk of deterioration by 6%.
- Salty and sweet snacks (chips, cookies, packaged snacks): They accelerate the decline of memory and executive functions.
- Pre-cooked dishes and industrial breads: They contribute to neuroinflammation due to excess sodium and fat.
They encourage a healthy lifestyle
Previous studies have established that improving diet, such as adopting the Mediterranean diet, can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This reflects the importance of considering not only the quantity, but also the quality of the food consumed.
Experts suggest that eliminating UPA from the diet could reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Middle age is presented as a good time to implement changes in eating habits and minimize modifiable risks.
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