New evidence proves processed meat consumption may elevate dementia risk

You may want to rethink your choice of snack the next time you feel like munching on a hot dog or a deli sandwich as recent research has found a concerning link between consumption of processed meats and the risk of developing dementia.

The research, presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference this week, suggests that those who regularly consume ultra-processed red meat such as hot dogs, bacon, sausage, salami, and bologna may face a higher risk of developing dementia later in life.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are products containing ingredients not commonly found in a home kitchen, the Independent reported.

These include soy protein isolate, high fructose corn syrup, modified starches, flavorings, or colour additives.

These findings add to the growing body of evidence associating UPFs with adverse health effects, contributing to conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

UPFs are prevalent popular items like staples like cereals, sodas, flavoured yogurts, and more.

The study states that diets high in UPFs lack the nutritional richness that may help decrease the risk for dementia.

"If you're consuming a lot of ultra-processed food, that means you're consuming less of fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthier options," Puja Agarwal — a nutritional epidemiologist at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago — explained to The New York Times.

The exact reason these products may be bad for your brain remains unknown.

However, scientists argue that previous studies examining different diets indicate a lower risk for cognitive conditions in people who consume less ultra-processed meats.

A study from the REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke) project, which examined non-Hispanic Black and White Americans ages 45 years and older from the years 2003 and 2007, revealed that a 10% increase in consumption of UPFs was associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment and stroke.

Experts recommend frequently reading product labels to avoid these products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is developing a new front-of-package labeling system that clearly indicates sugar, sodium, and saturated fat levels.