According to a study published in the American Academy of Neurology, eating whole foods may decrease dementia risk. There are 72,083 adults over the age of 55 with no dementia in the UK biobank.

The authors looked at the relationship between dementia and the amount of ultra-processed foods eaten. The group with the lowest consumption of UPF had a diet of 9%, while the highest group had a diet of 32%.

For every 10% increase in the daily intake of UPF, the risk of dementia increased by 25%. Replacing 10% of UPF foods with whole foods was associated with a lower risk of dementia.

The quality of a person's diet can be diminished by ultra-processed foods.

Some of these foods may contain food Additives or Molecules that have been shown in other studies to affect thinking and memory skills negatively.

Replacing ultra-processed foods with healthy options may decrease the risk of dementia.

There are four things you can do to fight dementia.

UPF vs. whole foods

It's made to be convenient. Think of it as ready-to- eat or ready to heat. High in sugar, fat, and salt are these foods. There are a few examples of UPF.

Also, baked products made with ingredients such as hydrogenated vegetable fat, sugar, yeast, emulsifiers, and other Additives, ice cream and frozen desserts, chocolates, candies, pre-prepared meals, and distilled alcoholic beverages.

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Whole foods include fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, seafood, legume, milk, eggs, grains, spices, meat, and alcoholic beverages.

Food that is minimally processed leaves the nutrition intact. Adding vitamins and pasteurization is one of the methods included in this.

How to tell the difference?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics believes that labeling is the solution.

snack cakes, chips, and candy are found at the grocery store check-out counter. Soft drinks, breakfast cereals, ice cream, mass-produced bread, and yogurts are included.

The Cheetos and tortilla chips are both labeled. Look at the long list of ingredients on the Cheetos bag. Corn, salt, and plant seed oil are in tortillas. It could be a vegetable. There are three ingredients.

Do you want to delay or reverse dementia? This is a great game to try.

Why are UPFs so popular in the U.S.?

There are two words that describe convenience and cost. In the U.S., UPF consumption went up from 2001 to 2002. Whole food consumption went from 32.7% to 27.4%.

Americans eat more packaged food than other countries. Ultra-processed food is made from substances that have been removed from food. They have more of a chemical presence than food.

The perceived convenience is one of the reasons why they are popular. Advertising is not included. It's important to learn to read nutrition labels in order to make them seem delicious.

You may have to prepare your meals at home if you choose to eat healthy. What's the reason? It can be shared with family or a partner as well as a way to add more fruits and vegetables to one's diet.

If you want to make a trail mix, use nuts, raisins, and dark chocolate. Fruits and vegetables are nature's fast food. You can make a smoothie out of fresh fruit. You can use peanut butter on the sticks.

Traveling and eating out

When eating out, ask for condiments and dressings. You can see the difference between cream sauce and a sauce you can see through. Whole wheat is a better alternative to white bread if you want to eat less of it.

Finding whole foods is easier when you locate a grocery store near where you are staying.

This is one of the most preventable causes of Alzheimer's in America.

The bottom line

It's good news. You have control of your diet. When choosing what to eat or drink, ask yourself what is the healthiest choice for nutrition.

Food labels and ingredients are important. If you want to improve how you age and feel your best, begin to cook food at home.

A nurse with over 15 years of experience, Rebecca is a health journalist. Rebecca loves helping people live their healthiest lives through her writing.

NextAvenue.org gave permission for this article to be used.

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