Processed meats and sugary drinks linked to cognitive decline
Eating processed meats and sugary drinks may harm brain health over time, a new study finds.
Why it matters
- Dietary choices may impact cognitive health in older adults.
- Processed meats and sugary beverages are common in many diets.
By the numbers
- 7-year study of U.S. residents aged 55+.
- 17% increase in cognitive issues for those consuming one serving of processed meat daily.
- 6% increase in cognitive impairment per serving of soda.
The big picture
- Ultra-processed foods are known to harm health, but this study highlights specific categories affecting brain health.
- Simple dietary changes could help maintain cognitive function as you age.
What they're saying
- Experts suggest reading labels, cooking at home, and choosing healthier options like water over soda.
- The study’s findings are a wake-up call for those looking to keep their brain sharp.
Caveats
- Observational study; cannot establish causality.
- Self-reported dietary data may be unreliable.
What’s next
- Researchers plan to study young adults and ultra-processed foods.
- Future work includes teaching cooking skills to evaluate their impact on brain function.