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High Artificial Sweetener Intake Linked to Faster Cognitive Decline

9/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study of nearly 13,000 Brazilian adults linked high artificial sweetener consumption to accelerated cognitive decline over eight years.
Participants were grouped by sweetener intake; the highest consumers experienced a 62% faster cognitive decline, equating to 1.6 years of aging.
The decline was more significant in individuals under 60 and those with diabetes.
Aspartame and saccharin correlated with cognitive decline, while tagatose showed no association.
Researchers call for further studies on artificial sweeteners' long-term effects on brain health.

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Story summary

A study of nearly 13,000 Brazilian adults linked high artificial sweetener consumption to accelerated cognitive decline over eight years.
Participants were grouped by sweetener intake; the highest consumers experienced a 62% faster cognitive decline, equating to 1.6 years of aging.
The decline was more significant in individuals under 60 and those with diabetes.
Aspartame and saccharin correlated with cognitive decline, while tagatose showed no association.
Researchers call for further studies on artificial sweeteners' long-term effects on brain health.