Eating ultra processed foods may accelerate early signs of Parkinson's disease

A study published in Neurology, suggests a link between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and early signs of Parkinson’s disease. While the research doesn’t prove causation, it shows that people consuming 11 or more servings daily—such as sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and processed meats—were 2.5 times more likely to display early indicators of the disease than those who ate fewer than three servings. Conducted by researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai, the study followed over 42,000 participants (average age 48) for up to 26 years. Participants were monitored for prodromal Parkinson’s symptoms, including sleep disturbances, mood changes, and sensory impairments. Although all symptoms except constipation were linked to ultra-processed food intake, self-reported food diaries posed a limitation. Lead researcher emphasized that reducing processed food and choosing whole foods may support brain health and potentially delay neurodegeneration. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

12-05-2025