A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found a strong association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health followed more than 72,000 participants over a 10-year period, tracking their dietary habits and cognitive function.
The study found that participants who consumed more than four servings of ultra-processed foods daily had a 25% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who consumed fewer than two servings.
Ultra-processed foods include items such as packaged snacks, sugary cereals, frozen meals, and soft drinks.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that diet plays a crucial role in brain health as people age.
