WANT TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF DEMENTIA? DITCH THE ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS

WANT TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF DEMENTIA? DITCH THE ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS

Are you ready to learn about a new way to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease potentially? Well, good news – it has to do with your diet!

A recent study found that the more ultra-processed foods (UPFs) you eat, the greater your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. Ultra-processed foods include soft drinks, ice cream, breakfast cereals, energy drinks, and packaged snacks. These foods are high in sugar, saturated fats, and additives and low in nutrients.

The study followed 72,083 participants in the UK, who were ages 55 and older and free of dementia at the beginning of the study. They completed two or more 24-hour web-based dietary questionnaires between 2009 and 2012. Over a median follow-up period of 10 years, 518 participants developed dementia, of whom 287 developed Alzheimer's disease, and 119 developed vascular dementia.

The study found that every 10% increase in UPF intake was associated with a 25% higher risk for all-cause dementia, a 14% higher risk for Alzheimer's disease, and a 28% higher risk for vascular dementia.

So, what can you do to reduce your risk? The study also found that replacing 10% of UPF by weight in the diet with an equivalent proportion of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with a 19% lower risk for all-cause dementia and a 22% lower risk for vascular dementia.

Instead of reaching for that bag of chips or Coke, you could grab an apple or some carrots instead. And instead of eating that pre-packaged frozen dinner, you could cook a meal from fresh vegetables and lean protein.

As dads, we often have busy schedules, and cooking from scratch can be challenging. But trust me, it's worth it for the sake of your health and the health of your loved ones. And hey, who knows – maybe you'll even discover a hidden talent for cooking!

It's important to note that this study is observational, and more research is needed to understand the specific relationship between ultra-processed foods and the risk of dementia. Also, this study does not prove that UPF directly causes dementia. Yet, it suggests an association. Other factors, such as genetics and overall lifestyle, also play a role in the development of dementia. But it's worth considering the impact of our diet on our health, significantly as it may help to reduce the risk of these debilitating conditions.

So, guys, let's make a change for the better and start cutting down on UPFs, and our brains will thank us for it.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36219796/