Consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of developing dementia, according to a new study published in the journal Neurology. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden analysed data from 72,083 participants aged 55 and older from the UK Biobank, tracking their diets and health for an average of 10 years.
Ultra-processed foods, including soft drinks, chips, ice cream, sausage, packaged bread, flavoured cereals, canned tomatoes, baked beans, ketchup, and mayonnaise, are low in protein and fibre but high in added sugar, fat, and salt. The study found that those who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had a 25% higher risk of dementia for every 10% increase in daily intake.
Of the participants, 518 developed dementia during the study. Those in the highest consumption group (814 grams per day of ultra-processed foods) had 150 cases of dementia, compared to 105 cases in the lowest group (225 grams per day). Beverages were the leading contributor to high consumption, followed by sugary goods and dairy.
Replacing just 10% of ultra-processed foods with unprocessed or minimally processed options—such as fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes, milk, and meat—could lower dementia risk by 19%. Study author Huiping Li noted, 'Small and manageable changes in diet may make a difference in a person's risk of dementia.' However, the study does not prove causation, and further research is needed.
