Eating processed red meat may significantly increase the risk of developing dementia, according to a comprehensive study tracking over 100,000 people for more than four decades. The research, presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, reveals a potential link between the consumption of processed red meat and cognitive decline.
The study, conducted by U.S. researchers, follows earlier findings that processed red meat is associated with increased risks of cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. The latest research, however, highlights its potential impact on brain health. "By studying people over a long period of time, we found that eating processed red meat could be a significant risk factor for dementia," said Dr. Yuhan Li, an assistant professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and the lead author of the study.
The participants, consisting of 130,000 nurses and other health workers in the U.S., provided dietary data every two to five years over the 43-year study period. They reported their intake of processed red meat, such as bacon, hotdogs, sausages, and salami, as well as their consumption of nuts, legumes, and tofu.
During the follow-up period, over 11,000 cases of dementia were identified. The researchers found that consuming two servings of processed red meat each week increased the risk of cognitive decline by 14% compared to those who ate about three servings a month. On the other hand, replacing one daily serving of processed red meat with nuts, beans, or tofu was associated with a 23% reduction in dementia risk.
"Dietary guidelines could include recommendations limiting processed red meat to promote brain health," Dr. Li suggested. "Processed red meat has also been shown to raise the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. It may affect the brain because it has high levels of harmful substances such as nitrites and sodium."
Dr. Heather Snyder, vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer's Association, emphasized the importance of a healthier diet. "Prevention of Alzheimer's disease and all other dementias is a major focus, and we have long encouraged eating a healthier diet - including foods that are less processed - because they've been associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline," Snyder said.
Dr. Richard Oakley, of the Alzheimer's Society in the UK, echoed the findings but urged caution, noting that the research found an association rather than direct causation. "It's important to remember that this doesn't mean that eating processed red meat is directly related to developing dementia. It may be that people who avoid processed red meat are generally more health-conscious and avoid other unhealthy habits that increase dementia risk," Oakley said.
The findings align with a growing body of research that links processed foods to poorer health outcomes. "This is really consistent with a larger body of science that tells us that diets that are lower in fat, lower in sugar, higher in vegetables overall, are what's really better for our brain health," Dr. Snyder added.
The study also indicates that unprocessed red meats, such as ground beef or steak, did not show the same cognitive harms, highlighting the specific risks associated with processed versions. "When it's not processed, in moderation, red meat is actually okay," noted Dr. Maria Carrillo, chief science officer of the Alzheimer's Association.
Dr. Uma Naidoo, a psychiatrist and director of nutritional and lifestyle psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, praised the study's size and duration but emphasized the observational nature of the findings. "While the study may not represent the broader U.S. population, it still points in the general direction of reducing processed red meat intake as a way to improve brain health," Naidoo said.
Naidoo also offered practical advice for those looking to make dietary changes. "The less processed, the better. Good servings of vegetables and fruits bring fiber, nutrients, minerals, and vitamins to the body and the brain," she recommended, suggesting canned fish, beans, and frozen vegetables as accessible alternatives to processed red meat.
