A new study has shown that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with attention decline and increased risk of dementia in middle-aged and older age groups. Experts state that even if overall nutrition is healthy, an increase in these products in the daily diet can negatively affect brain functions.
Medianews.az reports that the research was published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring.
According to Barbara Kardos, one of the authors of the study and a scientist at Monash University, the results indicate a clear link between industrially produced foods and cognitive decline.
Ultra-processed foods are products that undergo high industrial processing, usually containing refined ingredients and enriched with artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives. Carbonated drinks, packaged salty snacks, and ready meals are included in this group.
Scientists have long reported that such foods are associated with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Since these diseases are also considered risk factors for cognitive decline, the effect of ultra-processed foods on the brain has been studied separately.
The study involved 2,192 Australians aged 40 to 70. None of them had dementia or neurological disease. Scientists assessed dietary habits over the last 12 months through surveys and classified foods according to their processing level.
It was found that on average, 41 percent of the participants’ daily energy intake consisted of ultra-processed foods. This figure is close to the overall average in Australia.
Participants underwent computer tests measuring attention, information processing speed, memory, and visual perception. Results showed that as the amount of ultra-processed foods increased, the ability to concentrate weakened.
Barbara Kardoso stated that with every 10 percent increase in the share of these foods in the daily diet, there was a noticeable decrease in attention and visual processing speed. According to her, this increase can sometimes occur simply by adding a packet of chips to the daily food intake.
The study also revealed a link between high consumption of these products and increased risk of dementia.
Researchers noted that the negative effect of ultra-processed foods is not only related to unhealthy diets. Even individuals adhering to healthy eating regimes like the Mediterranean diet may be at risk if the level of processing is high.
Although no direct connection with memory loss was found, it was emphasized that attention decline affects important brain functions such as learning, decision-making, and problem-solving.
According to scientists, strong processing disrupts the natural structure of food and leads to the formation of substances such as artificial additives and processing chemicals. These components can disrupt gut microflora and thus affect brain health.
Experts note that the study does not fully prove cause-and-effect relationships. The research is based only on data collected over a certain period, and participants’ dietary information relied on self-reporting.
Furthermore, the majority of participants were women with higher education and social status, which may limit the applicability of the results to all population groups.
Scientists plan to explore the relationship between ultra-processed foods and cognitive decline more deeply in future research using brain imaging and biological markers.
In conclusion, experts state that ultra-processed foods can negatively affect not only physical health but also attention and brain functions.