Daily Deli Meat Consumption Linked to Increased Dementia Risk, Study Finds

Consuming as little as two slices of deli meat per day may be associated with a substantially higher risk of dementia, according to a new review of studies on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and brain health. The findings, published in the August 2026 issue of Annual Review of Nutrition, examined dozens of human and animal studies, including one analysis of nearly 500,000 individuals in the U.K.

The review found that for every additional 25 grams of processed meat consumed daily, the risk of all-cause dementia increased by 44%, and the risk of Alzheimer's disease rose by 52%. Twenty-five grams of processed meat is equivalent to approximately one to two slices of deli meat, depending on thickness.

This comprehensive review, conducted by an international team of 27 researchers, explored the broader question of whether diets high in UPFs contribute to accelerated brain aging over time. UPFs encompass a wide range of products, including sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and other heavily processed foods that often contain additives such as emulsifiers, preservatives, and artificial colors.

Lead author Owen Carmichael, Ph.D., of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, noted that many UPFs are highly engineered and may not undergo the same level of scrutiny as pharmaceuticals before entering the market. "The main takeaway for consumers is that it is very easy to get food items into the food supply without really understanding what kinds of effects they have on health, including the health of the brain," Carmichael stated.

Researchers are exploring two primary theories for the link between UPFs and brain health. One theory suggests that UPFs can negatively impact cardiovascular and blood vessel health, which in turn indirectly affects the brain. "Healthy heart, healthy mind," Carmichael commented, adding that UPFs are generally detrimental to health from the "neck down," affecting the heart, blood vessels, muscles, fat, and liver. The second theory posits that certain food additives found in UPFs might disrupt brain chemistry.

Both theories require further investigation, Carmichael emphasized. Much of the current evidence stems from animal studies, and long-term randomized clinical trials are still needed. The authors stressed that the findings are observational and do not definitively prove that processed meat, which includes items like deli turkey, ham, salami, bacon, hot dogs, and sausages, directly causes dementia.

However, for individuals aiming to improve long-term brain health, Carmichael's "healthy heart, healthy mind" principle remains relevant. Dietary recommendations that promote heart health, such as increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and fish, often align with strategies for supporting brain function.

The review highlighted research indicating that substituting just 10% of daily calories from UPFs with unprocessed foods could potentially reduce dementia risk by 19%. Currently, UPFs account for approximately 55% of Americans' daily caloric intake.

Dr. William Scott Burgin, a vascular neurologist at the University of South Florida and chief medical officer for NeuroEM Therapeutics, who was not involved in the new research, stated that UPFs are likely the "worst" for brain health. However, he cautioned against broadly categorizing all UPFs as harmful, noting that some technically ultra-processed items, such as fortified whole grain cereals, yogurt, and certain packaged breads, may be neutral or even beneficial.

Burgin also pointed out that most of the evidence is derived from observational studies, which cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship. He advised that while reducing UPF consumption is encouraged, occasional consumption of less healthy items like cookies is unlikely to be problematic. He also recommended a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols, and mentioned that supplements such as B vitamins may also offer benefits. Miami, FL – October 26, 2024 – A study published in the Annual Review of Nutrition has linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to an increased risk of dementia. The study specifically highlighted deli meats as a potential contributor to this risk. Scientists reviewed numerous human and animal studies to reach their conclusions. The findings suggest that consuming just two slices of processed meat daily could elevate the risk of dementia by 44% and Alzheimer’s disease by 52%. This is based on an increase of 25 grams of processed meat per day. The review, involving 27 international researchers, aimed to understand the impact of UPFs on brain aging. Ultra-processed foods are defined as items heavily modified by industrial processes, often including additives like preservatives and artificial colors. Lead author Owen Carmichael of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center expressed concern about the lack of scrutiny on UPFs compared to pharmaceuticals. Two main theories are being investigated for this link: UPFs' impact on cardiovascular health, which indirectly affects the brain, and the potential disruption of brain chemistry by certain food additives. While the evidence is observational, experts recommend a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish, and suggest that replacing a portion of UPFs with unprocessed foods could lower dementia risk. Some experts caution against a blanket condemnation of all UPFs, noting that certain fortified or dairy-based products may not carry the same risks. The study also noted that UPFs constitute approximately 55% of the average American's daily calorie intake. Further research, including long-term clinical trials, is needed to solidify these findings.