Eating too much processed red meat may increase dementia risk
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Eating processed red meat, like hot dogs and sausage has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and certain cancers. It also may be bad for your brain.
An observational study published Feb. 11, 2025, in Neurology suggests that people who regularly eat processed red meat may have a greater risk of future cognitive decline and dementia. Researchers looked at data from approximately 134,000 people, average age 49, with no dementia diagnosis. Over several decades, they completed food questionnaires every two to four years to report their intakes during the past year.
When the researchers compared participants' eating habits with diagnoses of dementia or cognitive decline, they found that people who consumed as little as a quarter of a serving per day of processed red meat had a 14% higher risk of significant cognitive decline or dementia, compared to those who ate little if any.
In addition to reducing consumption of processed red meat, choosing healthier alternatives might offer further protection. The analysis found that switching out equal servings of processed red meat with nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy, chicken, or fish was linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline later in life.
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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