Health

Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Accelerated Brain Aging, Large Study Finds

A large-scale study published in the journal Neurology has found that people who consume high levels of popular artificial sweeteners experience faster cognitive decline — equivalent to roughly 1.6 years of additional brain aging compared to those who consume the least.

• Researchers tracked thousands of middle-aged and older adults over eight years, measuring their intake of low- and no-calorie sweeteners including aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol. Those with the highest consumption showed significantly faster declines in memory and thinking skills.
• The effect was more pronounced among individuals with diabetes, who often rely on sugar substitutes for blood sugar management. The study controlled for age, education, physical activity, and overall diet quality, suggesting the sweeteners themselves — not lifestyle factors — drive the association.
• The findings do not prove causation, but they add to a growing body of evidence that artificial sweeteners may have unintended neurological effects. The American Academy of Neurology, which published the research, recommends consumers consider reducing intake of heavily sweetened diet products while further studies investigate the mechanisms.