A new study conducted at the University of São Paulo has reported that a high consumption rate of processed foods is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and memory problems, also known as dementia symptoms. Examples of these foods include breakfast cereals, sweet and salty snacks, ice cream, ready-to-eat frozen meals, processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages. The production of these foods has significantly increased globally over the past four decades.
The study results were published on the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) website and were based on an 8-year follow-up of 10,755 individuals aged between 35 and 74 years, living in six different cities in Brazil. The study showed that those consuming the highest percentage of calories from processed foods (28% of total calories) experienced the greatest decline in memory abilities, including language fluency. The researchers hypothesized that this decline is due to the chronic consumption of processed foods.
Reports indicate that processed foods account for 58% of the calories consumed by Americans, 57% of British diets, 48% of Canadian diets, and 30% of Brazilian diets.
