Unhealthy diets, especially those high in fat and sugar, have long been recognized as potential culprits behind brain changes that lead to cognitive decline.
While some factors contributing to cognitive decline are beyond our control, such as genetics and socioeconomic status, recent research is shedding light on how diet may play a pivotal role in memory loss during aging and the development of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Ultraprocessed vs. Minimally Processed Foods
One area of research that has garnered attention is the distinction between ultraprocessed and minimally processed foods. Ultraprocessed foods are typically low in nutrients and fiber but high in sugar, fat, and salt.
They include items like soda, packaged cookies, chips, fast foods, and many others. Even seemingly healthy packaged breads often fall into the ultraprocessed category due to additives and preservatives.
In contrast, minimally processed foods retain most of their natural characteristics even after some form of processing, such as canned vegetables, dried pasta, or frozen fruit.
To put it simply, you’re unlikely to find the ingredients that make up ultraprocessed foods in your home kitchen.
The Research on Ultraprocessed Foods
Two recent large-scale studies have delved into the impact of consuming ultraprocessed foods on cognitive health during aging.
One study conducted in Brazil examined the cognitive decline rate over approximately eight years among participants who consumed varying amounts of ultraprocessed foods.
The results showed that those with a diet rich in ultraprocessed foods experienced slightly more cognitive decline compared to those who consumed fewer or none of these foods.
However, the difference in cognitive decline was relatively modest and may not have significant individual-level effects.
The second study, involving about 72,000 participants in the U.K., explored the link between ultraprocessed food consumption and dementia.
It found that those with the highest ultraprocessed food intake had a slightly higher risk of developing dementia over a 10-year period compared to those who consumed fewer or no ultraprocessed foods.
While these studies suggest an association, they do not establish causality, leaving room for other lifestyle factors to influence cognitive function.
The Importance of Brain-Healthy Diets
As the aging brain undergoes natural biochemical and structural changes that can lead to cognitive decline, adopting a healthier diet becomes crucial, especially for those over 55.
Two diets that have shown promise in promoting better cognitive function in older adults are the Mediterranean diet and the ketogenic diet.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based foods, healthy fats like olive oil, seeds, and nuts, while minimizing sugar intake.
The ketogenic diet, on the other hand, is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, primarily sourcing fiber from vegetables and avoiding sugar altogether. Both diets may reduce harmful inflammation, a factor known to negatively affect the brain.
Inflammation can result from excessive sugar and fat consumption, and it’s possible that ultraprocessed foods exacerbate this inflammation.
Moreover, diet, including ultraprocessed foods, can influence the gut-brain axis, which is the communication between the brain and the gut microbiome.
This microbiome plays a vital role in digestion, immune system function, and the production of hormones and neurotransmitters essential for brain health.
Studies indicate that the Mediterranean and ketogenic diets positively alter the gut microbiome, whereas ultraprocessed food consumption can negatively impact it.
The Uncertainties and Future Research
Understanding the specific effects of individual foods on the human body remains challenging.
Most nutritional studies, including those on ultraprocessed foods, have shown correlations rather than causation, as various factors like exercise, education, and socioeconomic status can influence cognitive function.
To further our knowledge, laboratory studies using animals, such as rats, have proven invaluable. Rats exhibit cognitive decline in old age, similar to humans, and can be easily controlled for diet and activity levels.
This allows researchers to investigate whether ultraprocessed foods play a crucial role in the development of cognitive impairments and dementia.
As the global population ages and the prevalence of dementia rises, gaining a deeper understanding of how our dietary choices impact our cognitive health becomes increasingly urgent.
While more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions, the early findings suggest that what we eat could play a significant role in preserving our brain function as we age.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies that vitamin D can help reduce inflammation, and vitamin K may lower your heart disease risk by a third.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about 9 unhealthy habits that damage your brain, and results showing this stuff in cannabis may protect aging brain, treat Alzheimer’s.
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