Processed Foods and Dementia

Processed Foods and Dementia

Processed Foods and Dementia: Could your bacon, hot dogs, and sausage be harming your brain?

I recently saw this frightening headline in Medscape: “Red Meat Tied to Increased Dementia Risk.”

However, a closer look showed that the title needed to be more accurate.

Preliminary research presented at this week’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference suggests:

There is a link between processed red meat (such as hot dogs, bacon, and sausage) consumption and an increased risk of developing dementia later in life.

Note the word “processed.”

Today, I will explain why the new study reminds me that I should continue to improve my diet.

Study Design – Processed Foods and Dementia

The researchers drew upon data from two large, long-term health studies: the Nurses’ Health Study, which began recruiting female nurses in 1976, and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which began recruiting male health professionals in 1986.

To assess dietary habits, participants completed validated food frequency questionnaires every 2–4 years, detailing their consumption of processed red meats (e.g., bacon, sausage, hot dogs) and unprocessed red meats (e.g., beef, pork, lamb). 

These questionnaires provided a comprehensive view of participants’ red meat intake over time, allowing researchers to correlate dietary patterns with the onset of dementia.

The primary outcome of the study was a composite endpoint of self-reported dementia and dementia-related death.

Study Results

Let’s get right to the results—not yet peer-reviewed—of the four-decade study of over 130,000 adults examining the connection between diet and cognition.

Here are the findings:

Individuals who consumed at least two servings per week of processed red meat, like bacon, bologna, or hot dogs, experienced a 14% increased risk of dementia compared to those who consumed less than three servings per month.

The study found that each daily serving of processed red meat was linked to an additional 1.6 years of cognitive aging, particularly impacting language ability and executive function, crucial mental skills that control behavior.

Not All Bad News

The research also provided a glimmer of hope.

The study suggests that replacing just one serving of processed red meat daily with healthier alternatives like nuts or beans was linked to a one-fifth lower risk of cognitive decline.

Now we’re talking.

I love pecans, pistachios, cashews, and walnuts.

So, Ditch All Red Meat, Right?

Not so fast.

The current study revealed that eating unprocessed red meat (think steak) did not significantly increase dementia risk.

However, subjects who consumed unprocessed red meat daily were likelier to report that they felt their cognition had declined than those who ate red meat less frequently.

Processed Foods

It’s important to note that most processed meats fall into the “ultraprocessed foods” category. 

Food manufacturers create these foods using ingredients not typically found in a home kitchen, such as soy protein isolate, high fructose corn syrup, modified starches, flavorings, and color additives. 

In addition, many of these processed meats contain excessive amounts of sugar, fat, or sodium, known to have negative health impacts.

Summary — Processed Foods and Dementia

The main takeaway of the article is that consuming processed red meat, such as bacon, sausage, and hot dogs, has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline. 

The new study reminds us of the importance of improving dietary habits, such as reducing the intake of processed red meat and incorporating healthier alternatives, such as nuts and legumes, to promote brain health.

My Take

First, I am impressed with the size and duration of the current research investigation.

The new research findings align with a large body of evidence suggesting that good diets — lower in sugar and fat and higher in vegetables — optimize brain health.

The big message I want to leave you is this: Processed red meat can not only hurt your brain but increase your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

So many commentators stop after telling you to avoid processed foods.

I love that this study showed how we might be proactive: eating nuts and legumes instead of processed red meat is linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline.

Study Limitations

Now, take this all with a grain of salt. 

Researchers presented this data at a conference; we don’t yet have a peer-reviewed article.

Second, the study was observational and thus does not represent high-level evidence.

Third, research conducted in a mostly white and higher socioeconomic group of healthcare professionals may not represent the broader U.S. population.

A Call to Action — Processed Foods and Dementia

I’ll end with this:

Research shows that diets with whole, fresh foods are linked to longer lifespans and reduced health problems.

What say you?

Highly processed foods are linked to early death, a new study finds.
www.nbcnews.com.

Thank you for reading “Processed Foods and Dementia.”