A study conducted by researchers at Canada's McMaster University has found an association between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and the emergence of indicators of vascular damage in the brains of middle-aged adults, even in the absence of clear symptoms or significant decline in memory and thinking.
Study Details and Methodology
The scientific website ScienceAlert reported on Wednesday that the study was published in the journal JAMA Network Open on October 15. It included 8,783 individuals aged between 35 and 69 who did not suffer from known cardiovascular diseases. The study relied on dietary questionnaires, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cognitive ability tests.
Results and Brain Changes
The results showed that approximately one in nine people in the highest consumption group showed indicators of vascular injury in the brain, compared to about one in twelve in the lowest consumption group. MRI scans revealed changes including high-signal areas in the brain's white matter, as well as foci resulting from insufficient blood supply to some tissues.
Influencing Factors and Conclusions
The association persisted after accounting for several factors, including age, smoking, physical activity, income, education level, high blood pressure, and diabetes. However, the study found no consistent association between ultra-processed food consumption and memory and thinking test results. Researchers noted that the study observes a statistical association and does not prove that these foods cause vascular damage, emphasizing the need for long-term studies to determine the nature of the relationship and its health implications.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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