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Study Links Artificial Sweeteners to Faster Cognitive Decline

9/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Brazilian study in *Neurology* connects artificial sweeteners to cognitive decline in adults under 60, especially those with diabetes.
Researchers tracked 12,772 participants over eight years, averaging 52 years old.
High sweetener consumers faced a 62% faster decline in memory, equating to 1.6 years of aging.
Six of seven sweeteners, including aspartame and saccharin, linked to cognitive decline; tagatose showed no association.
Researchers advise reducing artificial sweetener intake and choosing natural alternatives. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and the need for further research.

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Story summary

A Brazilian study in *Neurology* connects artificial sweeteners to cognitive decline in adults under 60, especially those with diabetes.
Researchers tracked 12,772 participants over eight years, averaging 52 years old.
High sweetener consumers faced a 62% faster decline in memory, equating to 1.6 years of aging.
Six of seven sweeteners, including aspartame and saccharin, linked to cognitive decline; tagatose showed no association.
Researchers advise reducing artificial sweetener intake and choosing natural alternatives. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and the need for further research.