Dementia: Popular sandwich could increase the risk of brain disease by 44 percent
DEMENTIA takes away a person's memories and personality, which can be devastating for loved ones to watch. Could a popular sandwich, enjoyed by many, be increasing your risk of the brain condition?
Scientists from the University of Leeds investigated the diet of 500,000 people and whether or not an association could be made to the development of dementia. Lead researcher, Huifeng Zhang, said: "Worldwide, the prevalence of dementia is increasing and diet as a modifiable factor could play a role." Dementia UK warned that the number of dementia cases in the UK are predicted to rise to over two million by 2051.
In Zhang's research, based at the School of Food Science and Nutrition, one alarming trend came to light.
The team found that the daily consumption of 25g of processed meat was associated with a 44 percent increased risk of dementia.
This is equivalent to one rasher of bacon, meaning a bacon sandwich could increase your risk of the brain condition.
Zhang commented on the results: “Our research adds to the growing body of evidence linking processed meat consumption to increased risk of a range of non-transmissible diseases.”
Other sandwiches that might increase your dementia risk
According to the notion that processed meats increase the risk of dementia, sausage sandwiches could increase your risk of dementia.
Furthermore, deli meats, such as roast beef and turkey, could increase your dementia risk, as could ham sandwiches.
How did the researchers come to such a conclusion that processed meat increases dementia risk?
Under the supervision of professors Janet Cade and Laura Hardie, the research team analysed data provided by UK Biobank.
January 18, 2022
