Sugary Drinks Linked to Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

The association between sugary drinks and poorer brain function and memory loss has been an area of scientific interest and study in the U.S., as these beverages are being consumed more often. A study published in the journals Alzheimer’s & Dementia and Stroke confirmed these findings and outlined which drinks are linked to decreased brain function.

Diet Soda Intake

The research shows that drinking soda daily is highly correlated with memory depletion. One of the scientists involved in the study stated, “We also found that people drinking diet soda daily were almost three times as likely to develop stroke and dementia. This included a higher risk of… Alzheimer’s disease dementia, the most common form of dementia.” 

Sugary Drinks

It appears both sugary drinks and drinks pumped full of fake sweeteners both have this implication on memory loss. This includes sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks. Matthew Pase, an author of the study, explained, “Our findings indicate an association between higher sugary beverage intake and brain atrophy, including lower brain volume and poorer memory”. 

Narrowing Down The Impact

Some other studies have claimed that the decrease in brain function could be a result of other preexisting conditions caused by high-sugar diets, including diabetes. But in this study, even when diabetics were excluded from the research, the findings remained the same.

What Actually Happens to The Brain

The research shows that daily sugary drink intake actually has physical impacts on the brain. They noted a smaller brain volume and a smaller hippocampus. The hippocampus is a part of the brain that is important for memory. 

The Participants

The study involved 4,000 participants who were 29 and older. They used MRI machines and cognitive tests to understand the relationship between beverage intake and brain volume and memory. They then examined just under 1,500 participants who were 60 and older for dementia over a 10-year period.

Other Impacts on The Brain

These diet sodas and sugary drinks are not only harmful to the brain, but have several other impacts on the body as well. For one, sleep quality and duration are much poorer in those who consume these beverages daily, especially energy drinks and coffees/sodas that are pumped with caffeine. 

ADHD in Children

One study also observed that increased sodium benzoate, which is found in many beverages, was linked to the development of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

Diet Drinks

Many have turned to diet drinks to replace the sugary beverages they like to drink. However, the studies also show real impacts on the brains from the artificial sweeteners and additives that are in these kinds of drinks. They are linked to memory loss and cognitive impairment as well.

Best Course of Action

The best thing to do to preserve memory and brain function is to try and reduce the intake of sugary and diet beverages. While these are a refreshing treat, the regular consumption of these has real impacts on your brain in the long term.