Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Faster Cognitive Decline, New 8-Year Study Finds
The quest to reduce sugar intake has made artificial sweeteners a staple in diets across America and beyond. While many choose them to avoid the impact of sugar on health, concerning new research suggests these sugar substitutes may carry their own risks, particularly for the brain. A new study adds to the growing conversation about sugar substitutes in the news, linking high consumption to accelerated cognitive decline.
The Study: Tracking Sweeteners and Brain Health for 8 Years
Conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo and published in the journal Neurology, this long-term study followed over 12,700 Brazilian adults for an average of eight years. It examined the connection between the intake of seven common low- and no-calorie sweeteners—including aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose—and changes in cognitive function.
The findings are striking and contribute significantly to the global discussion on the impact of sugar on the world:
- Memory: High intake of sweeteners was associated with a 32% faster decline in memory.
- Verbal Fluency: The decline in verbal fluency was 173% faster in the high-intake group.
- Overall Cognition: Overall cognitive ability declined 62% faster, equivalent to an extra 1.6 years of brain aging.
A Warning for the Middle-Aged
Perhaps the most critical finding was that these negative effects were primarily driven by participants under the age of 60. For older adults, the association was not statistically significant. This suggests that midlife may be a period of particular vulnerability to the potential neurocognitive effects of these additives. This is a crucial insight for understanding the impact of sugar substitutes in America, where they are widely consumed by all age groups.
Which Sweeteners Are the Main Culprits?
The study found that most of the tested sweeteners, including aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, were linked to faster cognitive decline. The association was especially strong for sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol.
This news is likely to keep sugar substitutes in the news as consumers and health experts reevaluate their safety. While the study does not prove causation, it adds to a body of evidence suggesting that simply swapping sugar for artificial alternatives may not be the harmless solution it seems.
Rethinking Our Approach to Sweetness
For years, the focus has been on the harmful impact of sugar on health, leading many to embrace artificial sweeteners. This study suggests a more nuanced approach is needed. Rather than relying on synthetic substitutes, a better strategy may be to gradually reduce our overall preference for sweetness itself.
The growing body of research on the impact of sugar substitutes in America and worldwide indicates that for long-term brain health, especially in middle age, limiting both sugar and artificial sweeteners might be the wisest choice.
Source:
Gonçalves, N. G., et al. (2025). Association Between Consumption of Low- and No-Calorie Artificial Sweeteners and Cognitive Decline. Neurology. doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000214023
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.