A modest increase in daily ultraprocessed food consumption can reduce attention spans and increase the risk of dementia, a new study said.

These findings suggest that the cognitive risks associated with processed foods persist even for individuals who maintain an otherwise healthy, plant-rich diet. This challenges the assumption that a generally nutritious diet can offset the damage caused by specific ultraprocessed items.

Researchers from Australia and international collaborators conducted the study to assess whether small amounts of ultraprocessed foods impair cognitive function. The data indicates that a 10% increase in daily intake, roughly equivalent to one small bag of chips, may raise the risk of dementia [1]. The study also linked this dietary increase to a measurable reduction in a person's ability to focus.

The research comes amid rising consumption of these foods in the U.S. Data from the CDC shows that ultraprocessed foods account for approximately 53% of all calories consumed by U.S. adults [2]. The impact is even more pronounced among younger populations, where U.S. children obtain nearly 62% of their energy from ultraprocessed sources [3].

Because these foods are ubiquitous in the modern diet, the researchers sought to determine if the risk was tied to a total lack of nutrition or the specific nature of ultraprocessed ingredients. The results suggest that the processing itself may be a primary driver of cognitive decline, regardless of the overall quality of the rest of the diet.

The study was reported in late April 2026, highlighting a growing concern over long-term brain health and dietary habits.

“A 10% increase in daily intake, roughly equivalent to one small bag of chips, may raise the risk of dementia.”

This research indicates that cognitive impairment is not merely a result of poor overall nutrition, but is specifically linked to the consumption of ultraprocessed foods. With a majority of caloric intake for U.S. adults and children coming from these sources, the findings suggest a widespread public health vulnerability regarding attention spans and long-term neurological health.