Association between midlife intake of ultra-processed foods and later-life subjective cognitive complaints: Evidence from the New York University women’s health study

This research examines the relationship between mid-life consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the incidence of subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) in later life, providing potential insights into the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. The study analyzed data from 5,119 participants of the New York University Women’s Health Study, which included a total of 14,274 women recruited between 1985 and 1991. Dietary habits were assessed using a validated modified Block food frequency questionnaire, focusing on energy-adjusted UPF intake categorized by the NOVA classification. Results indicated that women in the higher quintiles of UPF intake exhibited increased odds of reporting two or more SCCs, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.15 (95% CI: 0.94–1.39), 1.06 (95% CI: 0.87–1.30), 1.20 (95% CI: 0.99–1.46), and 1.24 (95% CI: 1.02–1.51) for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th quintiles, respectively, compared to the lowest quintile (p-trend = 0.02). Sensitivity analyses utilizing Multiple Imputation and Inverse Probability Weighting confirmed the robustness of these findings, suggesting a significant association between higher mid-life UPF intake and the likelihood of late-life SCCs in women. [NPID: ultra-processed, cognitive complaints, neurodegeneration, alzheimer’s, diet, nutrition]

Year: 2025

Reference: Zhang, K., Wu, F., Clendenen, T. V., Afanasyeva, Y., Gu, Y., Koenig, K. L., Zeleniuch-Jacquotte, A., & Chen, Y. (2025). Association between midlife intake of ultra-processed foods and later-life subjective cognitive complaints: Evidence from the new York University women's health study. Preventive Medicine, 200, 108390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2025.108390