Most Americans know that ultra-processed foods are bad for cardiovascular health, weight, and blood sugar. The emerging scientific picture suggests the brain may be an earlier and more sensitive victim — and new research confirms the damage extends to cognitive function even when the rest of a person's diet is otherwise healthy.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, a journal of the Alzheimer's Association, found that each 10% increase in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption was associated with measurable declines in attention and mental processing speed in middle-aged and older adults — and that this association held regardless of how healthy the rest of the diet was. The study received renewed coverage in ScienceDaily on June 8, 2026.
