A study published online on June 3, 2026 entitled Ultraprocessed Foods and the Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Older US Adults: 2013–2020 Health and Retirement Study concluded: “Increased UPF consumption is associated with higher risks of dementia, CIND, and CIND or dementia among US older adults.”
Participants in the study with higher UPF consumption, compared with those in the lowest quintile, were more likely to be men, non-Hispanic Black, never married, living in a single-person household, high school graduates, current smokers, non-drinkers, physically inactive and to have lower total net worth, obesity, depressive symptoms, history of chronic disease, and higher energy intake.
Ultraprocessed Food (UPF)
The study defined ultraprocessed food (UPF) as industrially produced food and beverages to which chemical additives or chemically modified ingredients are added to enhance palatability, extend shelf life, or reduce cost. Characteristics of UPFs, which are often high in saturated fat, sodium, sugar, and energy density and low in dietary fiber, include foods such as sugar-sweetened beverages, breakfast cereals, pizza, and other shelf-stable or ready-to-eat foods.
UPF consumption contributes more than 50% of energy intake among US adults, with a concerning increase over time among older adults. Higher UPF consumption has been associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and a higher risk of mortality. A recent prospective cohort study of Brazilian adults found that UPF consumption was associated with a faster rate of decline in global cognition and executive function. Higher UPF consumption was potentially associated with executive function impairment among US middle-aged and older adults.
A recent meta-analysis showed that high UPF consumption was associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia, whereas no association was observed with mild cognitive impairment. Despite accumulating evidence on the link between UPF consumption and cognitive health, evidence from nationally representative studies among US older adults remains limited.
The primary objective of the new study was to examine the associations between UPF consumption and the risk of dementia, CIND, and a composite outcome of CIND or dementia using the longitudinal and nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (HRS) among adults aged 50 years or older.
The study found that increased UPF consumption was associated with higher risks of dementia, CIND, and CIND or dementia in a nationally representative longitudinal cohort of US older adults. Greater unprocessed or minimally processed food (MPF) consumption was associated with lower risks of these outcomes. Processed meat was the only UPF subgroup associated with increased risks of dementia, CIND, and CIND or dementia. The UPF-cognitive outcome associations did not differ by gender, education level, or social isolation.
If you or a loved one may have been injured (or worse) as a result of medical negligence in the United States, you should promptly find a medical malpractice attorney in your state who may investigate your medical malpractice claim for you and represent you or your loved one in a medical malpractice case, if appropriate.
Click here to visit our website or call us toll-free in the United States at 800-295-3959 to find medical malpractice lawyers in your state who may assist you.
Turn to us when you don’t know where to turn.
