Study Links Food Processing to Cognitive Decline
New research from Monash University, the University of São Paulo, and Deakin University shows a diet high in ultra-processed foods can impair focus and increase dementia risk, even if one maintains a healthy diet.
Published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, the study examines the diets and cognitive health of over 2,100 Australian adults free from dementia. Findings indicate that a slight increase in ultra-processed foods intake correlates with reduced attention span.
Lead author Dr. Barbara Cardoso from Monash University said, “For every 10% increase in ultra-processed food a person consumed, we saw a distinct and measurable drop in a person’s ability to focus.”
Impacts of Ultra-Processed Foods
The study observed that participants derived about 41% of their daily energy from ultra-processed foods, aligning with Australia’s national average of 42%. These foods include items like soft drinks, packaged snacks, and ready-made meals.
Dr. Cardoso explained that food ultra-processing often destroys the natural structure of food and introduces artificial additives that could harm cognitive function. This connection implies that the degree of food processing itself, rather than just a lack of healthy foods, influences cognitive health.
Although the study did not establish a direct link between ultra-processed foods and memory loss, attention span is essential for learning and problem-solving. Increased consumption of these foods is linked to dementia risk factors like high blood pressure and obesity.
Dr. Cardoso noted, “A 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake is comparable to adding a standard packet of chips to one’s daily diet.” This small change can lead to consistently lower scores on standardised cognitive tests measuring visual attention and processing speed.
Researchers stressed that the negative effects of UPFs occur regardless of a person’s overall diet quality. Even those following a healthy Mediterranean diet may experience adverse impacts due to the degree of food processing involved.
Eating more ultra-processed foods is associated with an increase in dementia risk factors. These include health conditions such as high blood pressure or obesity, which can be actively managed to protect brain health.
While the study did not find a direct link between UPFs and memory loss, attention span forms the foundation for many critical brain functions like learning and problem-solving. The presence of artificial additives and processing chemicals in UPFs suggests that the link between diet and cognitive function extends beyond just missing out on healthy foods.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:20 pm
