More than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia and this number is expected to double every twenty years. Demographic ageing is driving this proliferation. However, ageing is not a cause of dementia but a risk factor and this distinction is important because it opens up the possibility of agency.
Research continues to shed light on the possible ways to stave off brain decline.
Some surprising risk associations have been identified over the years, including artificially-sweetened drinks – low-calorie or calorie-free drinks used as an alternative to the sugary variety.
That’s the suggestion of a 2017 study published in the journal Stroke.
The researchers analysed the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort, which began in 1971 and has followed a group of people throughout their lives with examinations every four years.
READ MORE: Dementia: One of the nation’s favourite sandwich ingredients may hike risk by almost 50%
As the doc explained, “it can be difficult to tease apart the impact of drinking lots of artificially sweetened drinks from other factors that can affect dementia risk, and we don’t yet know how much our choice of beverage can affect the development of diseases like Alzheimer’s”.
Nonetheless, “fizzy drinks, soft drinks, juices and adding excessive amounts of sugar to hot drinks have also been linked to an increased risk of dementia in some studies because of the effect sugar has on increasing our likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease”, she said.
What the NHS says about artificially-sweetened drinks
“Food manufacturers claim sweeteners help prevent tooth decay, control blood sugar levels and reduce our calorie intake.”
According to the health body, EFSA has approved the health claims made about xylitol, sorbitol and sucralose, among others, in relation to oral health and controlling blood sugar levels.
Speaking to the NHS, Dietitian Emma Carder said: “Research into sweeteners shows they’re perfectly safe to eat or drink on a daily basis as part of a healthy diet.”
She also said they’re a really useful alternative for people with diabetes who need to watch their blood sugar levels while still enjoying their favourite foods.
More research into the dementia link is therefore needed before conclusions can be reached. In the meantime, watch your sugar intake, advises the NHS.
“If you take sugar in tea or coffee, gradually reduce the amount until you can cut it out altogether, or try swapping to sweeteners instead.”
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