Australian Study Links Ultra‑Processed Foods to Reduced Attention and Dementia Risk

A study of 2,100 middle‑aged and older Australians found that higher consumption of ultra‑processed foods (UPFs) – such as soft drinks, snack packs and ready‑made meals – is associated with measurable declines in visual attention and processing speed. Participants derived roughly 41% of their daily calories from UPFs, matching the national average.

The association persisted even among those following a Mediterranean‑style diet, indicating that the degree of food processing itself may drive cognitive impacts. Higher UPF intake was also linked to risk factors for dementia, including obesity and high blood pressure. Researchers from Monash University, the University of São Paulo and Deakin University suggest prioritising whole or minimally processed foods and call for further research into the long‑term brain health effects of UPFs.