Certain Meats May Lead to a Greater Dementia Risk

A new study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference suggests that frequent consumption of ultra-processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and salami may increase the risk of dementia. The findings, which used data collected over 40 years, have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, but they offer experts a glimpse into “one of the most robust studies” linking diet and cognitive decline, as Dr. Maria Carillo, chief scientific officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, put it. NBC News.

• the study: The study followed more than 130,000 American adults for up to 43 years. About 8.5% of participants, or 11,173, developed dementia, and researchers were able to compare their typical intake of processed meat.
• Frequency matters: according to The New York TimesThe study found that participants who ate about two servings of processed meat per week had a 14% higher risk of developing dementia than those who ate it much less frequently (fewer than three servings per month).The study also found that each additional serving of meat consumed daily was associated with an increased cognitive age of 1.6 years, particularly in terms of language and “executive function,” according to NBC.
• theory: Ultra-processed foods have been linked to poor brain health, but it’s unclear why. Theories suggest that they negatively impact vascular health, substitute for vital nutrients, and damage brain cells.
• Corroborating evidence: NBC points out that the study was limited in size and conducted on a primarily white, above-average socioeconomic group, so it may not be representative of the general population, but other studies from Brazil and the UK have also linked cognitive decline to diets high in ultra-processed foods.
• What to eat instead: The researchers said unprocessed meats like steak and ground beef did not pose the same risk. They also recommended a diet high in fresh vegetables and lean protein. “The less processed the better,” Dr. Urma Naidoo of Massachusetts General Hospital told NBC. “Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits delivers fiber, nutrients, minerals and vitamins to your body and brain.”

(“Subtle” signs may be a precursor to dementia.)