Dementia is a progressive disease that affects the brain. It is characterized by the loss of cognitive function, memory, and language ability. While there is currently no cure for dementia, there are ways to lower your risk of developing the condition.

One way to do so is by cutting certain foods from your diet. Here are the 30 foods to cut to lower dementia risk:.

1. Processed Meats

Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and deli meat, contain nitrates that have been linked to cognitive decline.

According to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, those who consumed the highest levels of nitrates had a higher risk of dementia.

2. Fried Foods

Fried foods, such as French fries and fried chicken, are high in unhealthy fats that increase the risk of heart disease and cognitive decline.

According to research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, consuming these types of foods can lead to memory impairment and brain inflammation.

3. Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit juice, contain high levels of sugar that can lead to inflammation in the brain and increase the risk of dementia.

According to a study published in the journal Stroke, those who drank sugary beverages had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Fast Food

Fast food is typically high in unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar, all of which can contribute to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

According to research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, those who consumed fast food regularly had a higher risk of developing dementia.

5. White Flour

White flour is highly processed and lacks the nutrients and fiber found in whole grains.

According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences, consuming white flour can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, opt for whole grain products.

6. Margarine

Margarine is a processed spread that is high in trans fats, which have been linked to cognitive decline and dementia.

According to research published in the journal Annals of Neurology, those who consumed the highest levels of trans fats had a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

7. Soybean Oil

Soybean oil is a highly processed oil that is often used in processed foods and fried foods.

According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, consuming high amounts of soybean oil can lead to inflammation in the brain and an increased risk of cognitive decline.

8. Refined Sugar

Refined sugar is found in many processed foods and sweetened beverages and has been linked to inflammation in the brain and an increased risk of dementia.

According to research published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, consuming high levels of refined sugar can lead to memory impairment and cognitive decline.

9. Alcohol

While moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to brain damage and cognitive decline.

According to research published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to brain shrinkage and an increased risk of dementia.

10. Cheese

Cheese is high in saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

According to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, those who consumed high amounts of saturated fat had a higher risk of developing dementia.

11. White Rice

White rice is a highly processed grain that is low in nutrients and fiber. According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, consuming white rice can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

Instead, opt for brown rice or other whole grains.

12. Butter

Butter is a source of saturated fat and has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

According to research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, those who consumed high amounts of saturated fat had a higher risk of developing dementia.

13. Ice Cream

Ice cream is high in sugar and saturated fat, both of which can contribute to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, consuming high levels of sugar and saturated fat can lead to inflammation in the brain and memory impairment.

14. White Bread

White bread is highly processed and lacks the nutrients and fiber found in whole grain bread.

According to research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, consuming white bread can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. Instead, opt for whole grain bread.

15. Canned Soup

Canned soup is often high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

According to research published in the journal Neurology, those who consumed high levels of sodium had a higher risk of cognitive impairment.

16. Microwave Popcorn

Microwave popcorn is often high in unhealthy fats and artificial flavors.

According to a study published in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology, the chemicals found in microwave popcorn can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

17. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are high in sugar and caffeine, both of which can contribute to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

According to research published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, consuming high levels of caffeine can lead to memory impairment and cognitive decline.

18. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is typically made with unhealthy oils and can be high in calories and fat.

According to research published in the journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, consuming high amounts of unhealthy fats can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

19. Candy

Candy is often high in sugar and artificial flavors.

According to research published in the journal Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, consuming high levels of sugar can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

20. White Pasta

Like white bread, white pasta is highly processed and lacks the nutrients and fiber found in whole grain pasta.

According to research published in the journal The Lancet Neurology, consuming white pasta can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. Instead, opt for whole grain pasta.

21. White Sugar

White sugar is often found in processed foods and sweetened beverages and has been linked to inflammation in the brain and an increased risk of dementia.

According to research published in the journal Nutrients, consuming high levels of sugar can lead to memory impairment and cognitive decline.

22. White Potatoes

Like white rice, white potatoes are highly processed and lack nutrients and fiber.

According to research published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, consuming high levels of white potatoes can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. Instead, opt for sweet potatoes or other colored varieties.

23. Candy Bars

Candy bars are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats. According to research published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, consuming high levels of sugar and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation in the brain and cognitive decline.

24. Breaded Fish

Breaded fish is often high in unhealthy fats and sodium. According to research published in the journal Food Chemistry Toxicology, consuming high levels of unhealthy fats and sodium can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

25. Frozen Dinners

Frozen dinners are often high in sodium and unhealthy fats.

According to research published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, consuming high levels of sodium and unhealthy fats can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

26. Pizza

Pizza is often high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates.

According to research published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, consuming high levels of unhealthy fats and sodium can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

27. Hot Dogs

Like processed meats, hot dogs contain nitrates that have been linked to cognitive decline.

According to research published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, consuming high levels of nitrates can lead to inflammation in the brain and an increased risk of dementia.

28. Boxed Mac and Cheese

Boxed mac and cheese is often high in unhealthy fats and sodium.

According to research published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, consuming high levels of unhealthy fats and sodium can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

29. Vegetable Oils

Vegetable oils, such as canola, corn, and soybean oil, are highly processed and can lead to inflammation in the brain and cognitive decline.

According to research published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases, consuming high levels of these oils can lead to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

30. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese is often high in sodium and artificial flavors. According to research published in the journal Nutrients, consuming high levels of sodium can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.

By cutting these foods from your diet and opting for healthier alternatives, you can lower your risk of developing dementia and other cognitive decline.

Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet to support brain health.