Ultra-Processed Meats & Sugary Drinks Linked to Cognitive Decline, New Study Finds
BLACKSBURG, VA – A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals a concerning link between consumption of ultra-processed foods and cognitive impairment, with sugary drinks and ultra-processed meats appearing to pose the greatest risk. Researchers at Virginia Tech found that individuals consuming at least one additional serving per day of sugar-sweetened beverages – including sodas, iced teas, and sugary fruit drinks – experienced a 6 percent increase in the risk of developing cognitive issues.
While overall consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) wasn’t significantly associated with cognitive decline, the study highlighted specific culprits.Unlike othre UPFs like spreads, sweets, savory snacks, grain- and dairy-based foods, or ready-to-eat meals, ultra-processed meats and sugary drinks demonstrated a clear correlation with increased risk.
“There are things that you can change,” says Brenda Davy,professor of human nutrition,foods,and exercise at Virginia Tech and the study’s co-author. “It’s moderation and being reasonable and balanced in your dietary choices.”
The research comes as UPFs increasingly dominate the american diet.In 2020, 65 percent of foods and 38 percent of beverages purchased by US households were classified as ultra-processed – defined by high industrial processing and the inclusion of artificial colors, flavorings, and emulsifiers not typically found in home-cooked meals. Both younger and older adults currently obtain more than half of their daily calories from these foods.
Researchers suggest that equipping individuals with cooking skills could be a vital healthcare intervention. “It’s one thing to follow a diet, but it’s another thing to give [people] the cooking skills to prepare that diet,” explains Ben Katz, a human development scientist at Virginia Tech.
the study underscores a perhaps achievable strategy for protecting brain health through targeted dietary changes.
