Crisps and ham sandwiches may raise dementia risk
Consuming foods such as chips, biscuits and even ham sandwiches can significantly increase the risk of dementia.
Researchers from Harvard University found that people who consumed high amounts of ultra-processed foods each day had a 58 percent greater chance of developing dementia than those who ate less.
The study also linked junk food consumption to a 46 percent higher risk of mild cognitive impairment; This is often considered an early warning sign of dementia.
Scientists tracked more than 5,300 Americans over a 10-year period, analyzing their diets and cognitive health.
Among the biggest contributors to dementia risk were processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs and sliced ham, the staple sandwich filling for millions of people.
Experts said the findings add to growing evidence that ultra-processed foods can have harmful effects on the brain.
Professor Cindy Leung, associate professor of public health nutrition at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and co-author of the study, warned that there may not be a completely safe level of consumption.
He said: “Just to say, ‘I’m safe because I’m not getting all my calories from ultra-processed foods.’ “This shows that there may not be a truly safe level.”
But he highlighted a more encouraging finding from the research.
Professor Leung said: “Those who ate the least processed whole foods were 41 per cent less likely to develop dementia.”
The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, found that people who consume more than two pounds of ultra-processed foods per day face the highest risk.
The researchers emphasized that they cannot prove that foods directly cause dementia.
But they said the link was “biologically plausible” and consistent with growing scientific evidence that ultra-processed products can affect brain function.
While many such foods are high in sugar, salt and saturated fat, some scientists suspect that additives may also play a role.
Endocrinologist from the University of Liverpool, Dr. Alex Henney said overly processed foods can contribute to obesity, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are known risk factors for dementia.
He also suggested that ingredients like emulsifiers and preservatives can trigger inflammation in the body, another process increasingly linked to cognitive decline.
The findings add to growing calls for people to replace heavily processed foods with more natural alternatives to help protect brain health in the long term.
