A major longitudinal study published in the journal Neurology found that adults who consume more than 20% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods experience cognitive decline at a rate 28% faster than those with minimal ultra-processed food intake.

The study followed 12,000 adults aged 45-75 over a 10-year period, tracking dietary habits through detailed food frequency questionnaires and measuring cognitive function through standardized tests.

Ultra-processed foods including packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant noodles, and processed meats were linked to poorer performance on memory tests and faster rates of brain aging on MRI scans.

Researchers suggested that additives, preservatives, and the nutritional imbalance of ultra-processed foods may contribute to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. They emphasized the findings are observational and do not prove causation.

The study adds to a growing body of evidence linking ultra-processed food consumption to various health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and now cognitive decline. The FDA has not yet issued specific guidance on ultra-processed foods.