Study: Diet Sodas May Accelerate Brain Aging by 1.6 Years

A new study warns your daily diet soda might be taking a toll on your brain. Researchers in Brazil tracked over 12,000 adults and found that high consumers of artificial sweeteners—like aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol—showed significantly faster declines in memory and thinking skills. The highest group lost the equivalent of 1.6 years of extra brain aging and had a 62% faster decline. Those most at risk were adults under 60 and people with diabetes. Experts note the findings don’t prove causation, but they highlight concerns about heavy long-term use. While researchers urge cutting back on sweeteners and turning to natural options like fruit or honey, other health experts stress moderation and personalized advice. With diet soda still a go-to for millions, the debate over its impact on long-term brain health is heating up.