A new study has raised alarms about the impact of high-fat and high-sugar diets, revealing they may impair memory and increase dementia risk. Conducted by the University of Sydney, the research highlights how such foods damage the hippocampus, the brain region crucial for memory and spatial navigation. “This study shows that unhealthy eating habits can harm brain health even in young adults,” says lead researcher Dr. Dominic Tran. With dementia cases rising globally, these findings underscore the urgent need for dietary awareness.

The study involved thousands of students aged 18 to 38, who shared details of their eating habits. Participants then played a virtual reality game, navigating a maze to find hidden treasures, while their Body Mass Index (BMI) was recorded. Results were striking: students consuming low-fat, low-sugar diets outperformed others, accurately navigating the maze. In contrast, those frequently eating high-fat, high-sugar foods struggled, suggesting impaired hippocampal function. Notably, the hippocampus is among the first areas affected in Alzheimer’s disease, linking these dietary habits to long-term cognitive risks.

“We knew high-fat, high-sugar diets contribute to obesity and heart disease, but their impact on brain health at a young age is alarming,” Dr. Tran explains. Supporting this, a separate Oxford University study analyzing 40,000 brain scans found that diabetes, pollution, and alcohol also heighten dementia risk. However, there’s hope: Dr. Tran notes that adopting a healthier diet can restore hippocampal function. By cutting back on fatty, sugary foods, individuals can protect their memory and cognitive abilities.

Early dementia signs include difficulty focusing, confusion with daily tasks, forgetting conversations, struggling with words, disorientation, and sudden mood swings. The study’s findings serve as a wake-up call, urging people to prioritize balanced diets to safeguard brain health. As Dr. Tran emphasizes, “Small dietary changes today can preserve your memory for years to come.”