Too Many Processed Meats, Starches May Increase Dementia Risk

A study in Neurology suggests a diet high in processed meats, starches, and sugary snacks could raise the risk of dementia, reports United Press International . Dementia occurred more frequently among people who ate mostly processed meats like ham and sausages, starches like potatoes, and snacks such as cookies and cakes. Those who lacked dementia were more likely to adhere to a variegated diet that included fruits, vegetables, seafood, and poultry. "Worse eating habits toward charcuterie and snacking were evident years before dementia diagnosis in our cohort," noted the University of Bordeaux's Cecilia Samieri. "In contrast, diverse and healthy diets appear to decrease the risk to develop dementia." Samieri explained that highly processed meats — sausages, cured meats, and paté — formed the "hub" of diets that persons with dementia ate. These meats were mostly consumed in combination with potatoes, alcohol, and sweet snacks. Samieri added that the amounts of food eaten appeared to be less important to increasing the risk of dementia than the omission of healthier foods from their diet.