Overview

• The Neurology paper followed 12,772 Brazilian adults over eight years with repeated dietary questionnaires and cognitive tests.
• Those consuming the most low- and no‑calorie sweeteners experienced a 62% faster overall cognitive decline, roughly equal to 1.6 years of brain aging.
• Links to decline appeared in adults younger than 60, with no association observed in participants 60 and older.
• Associations were stronger in people with diabetes and were seen for aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame‑K, erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol, while tagatose showed no link.
• The authors noted limitations including self‑reported diet data and potential residual confounding and urged replication and mechanistic studies before policy changes.