Ultraprocessed Foods and the Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Older US Adults: 2013-2020 Health and Retirement Study - PubMed
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- #Ultraprocessed Foods
- #Elderly Nutrition
- #Cognitive Health
- Higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPF) is linked to increased risks of dementia, cognitive impairment with no dementia (CIND), and a combined outcome of CIND or dementia in older US adults.
- The study analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study (2013-2020) with 5,370 participants, using a food frequency questionnaire and biennial cognitive assessments.
- Participants in the highest quintile of UPF intake had hazard ratios of 1.58 for dementia, 1.46 for CIND, and 1.47 for CIND or dementia, compared to the lowest quintile.
- Consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with lower risks of these cognitive outcomes.
- The findings suggest reducing UPF intake may help maintain cognitive health in older adults, highlighting potential public health implications.