A new study looked at more than 2,100 Australians who did not have dementia. The researchers found that eating more ultra‑processed foods made it harder for people to stay focused and think quickly.
Ultra‑Processed Foods Reduce Attention
Even a small rise in ultra‑processed foods was linked to lower scores on tests that measure visual attention and processing speed. The scientists said that adding about one extra packet of chips each day could lower a person’s ability to concentrate.
Why the Processing Matters
Ultra‑processed foods include soda, packaged salty snacks, and ready‑made meals. They go through many industrial steps that can break down natural food structures and add artificial chemicals. These changes seem to affect the brain, no matter how healthy the rest of the diet is.
Link to Dementia Risk Factors
People who ate more ultra‑processed foods also showed higher rates of obesity and high blood pressure—both known risk factors for dementia. While the study did not directly tie these foods to memory loss, a drop in attention can be an early sign of larger cognitive problems.
Study Background
The data came from the Healthy Brain Project in Australia. The research was funded by several health and dementia charities and government grants.