Ultra-Processed Meats & Sugary Drinks Linked to Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline, New Study Finds
Blacksburg, VA – November 2, 2025 – A new study from Virginia Tech University reveals a notable link between the consumption of ultra-processed meats and sugary drinks and a heightened risk of cognitive impairment, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that daily intake of these items correlates with a measurable decline in brain health, offering crucial insights into preventative dietary measures.
The seven-year study, utilizing data from the University of Michigan Health and Retirement study, followed 4,750 U.S. participants aged 55 and older, assessing their cognitive function every two years between 2014 and 2020. Results indicated a 17% increase in the risk of cognitive impairment among individuals who consumed an additional daily serving of ultra-processed animal products like sausages, salami, and ready-to-eat meat pizzas. Sugary drinks – including sodas, sweetened iced teas, and fruit-flavored beverages – showed a smaller, but still significant, 6% increase in risk per additional daily serving.
Interestingly,the study did not find a significant association between overall consumption of ultra-processed foods and cognitive decline.While processed meats and sugary drinks demonstrated a clear negative impact,no similar correlation was observed with sweets,snacks,cereals,or dairy-based convenience foods.
“It is indeed possible to change certain things. The significant thing is moderation and reasonable and balanced behavior in food choices,” explained Brenda Davy, co-author of the study and professor of nutrition at Virginia Tech.
The findings highlight a growing concern regarding ultra-processed food consumption in the United States. In 2020, these products accounted for 65% of foods and 38% of drinks purchased by American households, with both younger and older adults deriving over half of their daily calories from them.
Ben Katz, a human advancement expert at Virginia Tech, emphasized the importance of equipping individuals with the skills to make healthier choices. “It’s one thing to follow a diet, but it’s another to give people the skills to prepare for that diet,” he stated.
Experts suggest that reducing intake of ultra-processed meats and sugary drinks represents a simple yet effective strategy for safeguarding brain health. The study was published in the American journal of Clinical Nutrition.
