Research recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease suggests that the regular habit of eating ultra-processed foods and meats, such as pizza and hamburgers, may increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease in the future.
The study, conducted by researchers from Bond and Griffith Universities, both in Australia, included 438 adults, 108 of whom had already been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, while the other 330 were considered healthy.
The results indicated that people with Alzheimer's disease had a greater tendency toward frequent consumption of foods such as meat pies, sausages, ham, pizza, and hamburgers compared to the healthy group. Furthermore, these patients consumed lower amounts of fruits, vegetables, and wine.
Scientists point out that ultra-processed foods can have a negative impact on cognitive decline, due to a low concentration of nutrients and fibre, and a high content of sugar, fat and salt.
Tahira Ahmed, a biostatistician and author of the study, highlights the importance of following a healthy diet, explaining that inadequate eating habits can contribute to vascular problems and obesity, thus increasing the risk of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease that affects the brain's cognitive functions, such as memory, and tends to progress over time. Australian researchers consider this study to be the first to prove a link between consumption of processed foods and Alzheimer's disease. However, they recognize that other lifestyle factors, such as sleep patterns and physical activity, also play an important role in the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
With information from Catraca Liver
Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.