Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Faster Brain Decline in New Study

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Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Faster Brain Decline in New Study

A large-scale study has found a possible link between artificial sweeteners and faster cognitive decline. Published in Neurology, the research tracked 13,000 participants over eight years, revealing that those who consumed the most sweeteners saw a sharper drop in brain function. The study, released on September 3, 2025, focused on seven common sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose. Participants, averaging 52 years old, were monitored for changes in memory and thinking skills.

Results showed that the highest consumers experienced a 62% faster decline in cognitive performance compared to the lowest consumers. This effect was most pronounced in people with diabetes. The decline was roughly equal to an extra 1.6 years of brain ageing. Six of the sweeteners—aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol—were tied to faster cognitive deterioration, especially in memory. However, tagatose did not show the same association. Researchers suggested that cutting down on sugar overall might be a better approach than relying on artificial alternatives.

The findings highlight a potential risk for those frequently using artificial sweeteners, particularly among diabetics. While tagatose appeared neutral, the other six sweeteners were linked to measurable cognitive decline. The study recommends further research into safer sugar-reduction strategies.

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