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Study links artificial sweeteners with faster cognitive decline

The Brazilian study followed 12,772 adults for an average of eight years

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Mark Huffman
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Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.

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Key Insights

  • The study followed 12,772 adults with an average age of 52
  • Researchers tracked seven artificial sweeteners typically found in ultra-processed foods like flavored water, soda, energy drinks, yogurt, and low-calorie desserts
  • People who consumed the highest total amounts of these sweeteners had a faster decline in overall thinking and memory skills compared to people who consumed the lowest amounts

A new study published in Neurology suggests that some popular sugar substitutes may come with long-term risks for brain health. Researchers found that people who consumed the highest amounts of artificial sweeteners experienced faster declines in memory and thinking skills than those who consumed the least.

The research, conducted in Brazil, followed 12,772 adults for an average of eight years. Participants, whose average age was 52, reported their eating and drinking habits through detailed diet questionnaires. They were then divided into three groups based on their daily intake of artificial sweeteners.

Those in the lowest group consumed about 20 milligrams (mg) per day, while the highest group averaged 191 mg per day, the equivalent of just one can of diet soda containing aspartame. Sorbitol was the most commonly consumed sweetener, averaging 64 mg per day.

Participants took regular cognitive tests that measured memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed. After accounting for other health factors such as age, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, researchers found that heavy sweetener users declined in cognition 62% faster than those in the lowest group. That difference equals roughly 1.6 years of brain aging. Even moderate consumers showed a decline 35% faster, equivalent to 1.3 years of aging.

Key findings

The study examined seven common sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose. All but tagatose were linked to a faster decline in memory and overall cognitive function.

Age also played a role. Among people younger than 60, high consumption was tied to faster declines in verbal fluency and overall cognition. However, no significant link was found in those over 60.

The impact was strongest for people with diabetes. Researchers believe this may be because people with diabetes are more likely to use artificial sweeteners as a substitute for sugar.

“Low- and no-calorie sweeteners are often seen as a healthy alternative to sugar, however, our findings suggest certain sweeteners may have negative effects on brain health over time,” said study author Dr. Claudia Kimie Suemoto of the University of São Paulo.

She noted that while the study found a connection, it does not prove that artificial sweeteners directly cause cognitive decline. Suemoto emphasized the need for more research, including whether natural alternatives like applesauce, honey, or maple syrup may be safer options.