Higher consumption of sweeteners linked to decline in memory by Rob Taub 07/20/26 07:16 AM ET (NewsNation) — Consuming popular sugar substitutes may be linked to a faster decline in memory and thinking skills, according to new research. A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found an association between sweetener consumption and cognitive decline. “Low- and no-calorie sweeteners are often seen as a healthy alternative to sugar; however, our findings suggest certain sweeteners may have negative effects on brain health over time,” said study author Dr. Claudia Kimie Suemoto of the University of São Paulo. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 13,000 adults and examined seven sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol and tagatose, all of which contain few or no calories. Does the ‘pink salt trick’ help you lose weight? They found that adults who consumed higher amounts of sweeteners experienced a 62% faster rate of cognitive decline. The association with accelerated brain aging was particularly evident among participants with diabetes.