Higher consumption of sweeteners linked to decline in memory - The Hill

What the report says

The Hill reported that new research published by the American Academy of Neurology found an association between higher consumption of low- and no-calorie sweeteners and faster decline in memory and thinking skills. The July 20 report, citing NewsNation, said the study examined nearly 13,000 adults and tracked cognitive performance through assessments conducted at the start, middle and end of the research period.

According to the report, researchers reviewed intake of seven sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol and tagatose. Adults in the highest-consumption group had a 62% faster rate of cognitive decline compared with those in the lowest-consumption group, while those in the middle-consumption group showed a 35% faster decline. The link appeared especially pronounced among participants with diabetes.

The Hill quoted study author Dr. Claudia Kimie Suemoto of the University of São Paulo as saying that sugar substitutes are often viewed as healthier than sugar, but the findings suggest some may carry possible long-term brain-health concerns. She also noted that people with diabetes may be more likely to use artificial sweeteners as replacements for sugar.

The reported findings matter because sweeteners are widely used in diet drinks, ultra-processed foods and tabletop products added to coffee, tea, cooking and baking. The study, as described, identifies an association rather than proving that sweeteners cause cognitive decline, so further research would be needed to assess mechanisms, risk levels and whether recommendations should change.