Red Meat and Dementia: What You Need to Know

Are you a bacon lover? You might want to rethink your breakfast habit. A new study from Harvard suggests that eating too much processed red meat, like bacon or sausage, could boost your risk of dementia. The research found that people who ate one serving of processed red meat daily faced a 13% higher chance of developing dementia. Swapping that bacon for fish could lower your risk by 28%. But wait, there's more! The study also linked eating unprocessed red meat, such as steak or ground beef, to a 16% increased risk of cognitive decline. This is a big deal because cognitive decline can lead to dementia. Now, you might be thinking, "Why is this happening? " Well, processed red meat contains nitrites, which can cause damage to the brain. Plus, the high salt content in foods like bacon can raise blood pressure, harm blood vessels, and lead to vascular dementia.However, it's important to note that this study isn't the final word. Some experts point out that the research only shows observations and doesn't account for other lifestyle factors. Also, the study didn't look closely at steak, one of America's favorite non-processed meats. The study tracked over 130, 000 adults for up to 43 years, asking them about their diet every two to four years. It found that for every extra portion of processed red meat eaten daily, a person's brain age was about 20 months older. Their verbal memory was also worse, like they were 20 months older. But here's something to consider: the study relied on people self-reporting their cognitive problems. While this isn't perfect, it often matches up with later diagnoses. So, what should you do? The researchers suggest reducing red meat intake and replacing it with other protein sources and plant-based options. This could help promote cognitive health.