Neurology

Artificial sweeteners tied to faster cognitive decline in adults under 60

September 8, 2025

Regular consumption of certain artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols was associated with accelerated cognitive aging in middle-aged adults. Due to the observational nature of the study, however, authors call for further research to clarify causation and underlying mechanisms.

Study details: This longitudinal observational study followed 12,772 Brazilian civil servants aged 35+ over three waves from 2008 to 2019. Researchers assessed dietary intake of seven low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCSs) using food frequency questionnaires and measured cognitive performance across six domains. Associations between LNCS consumption and cognitive decline were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models.

Results:

• Among participants younger than 60, those in the highest tertiles of LNCS intake showed significantly faster declines in verbal fluency and global cognition. Specific sweeteners—including aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol—were associated with declines in memory and fluency.
• Cognitive effects varied by diabetes status: non-diabetic participants showed greater fluency decline, while those with diabetes experienced more pronounced memory decline.
• No associations were found in adults aged 60+.
• Study limitations include self-reported dietary data, selection bias from attrition, and residual confounding from co-occurring health behaviors.

Source:

Gonçalves NG, et al. (2025, October 7). Neurology. Association Between Consumption of Low- and No-Calorie Artificial Sweeteners and Cognitive Decline: An 8-Year Prospective Study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40902134/