Diet Sodas Linked to Higher Risk of Stroke and Dementia, Says New Study
A major new study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke has raised serious concerns about the long-term health effects of diet sodas. Researchers found that adults who consumed one or more diet sodas daily had nearly three times the risk of developing ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s dementia compared to those who drank them less than once a week.
Key Findings:
- 2.96x higher risk of ischemic stroke
- 2.89x higher risk of Alzheimer’s dementia
- Study tracked 2,800+ adults aged 45+ over a decade
- MRI scans revealed reduced brain volume in frequent diet soda drinkers
- No similar risk found with sugar-sweetened drinks in this study
What’s Behind the Risk?
Artificial sweeteners—once considered a “safe” alternative—may affect vascular health and brain function in ways unrelated to calories. Experts caution that the “zero calorie” label can be misleading when it comes to long-term neurological health.
Expert Voices:
Dr. Matthew Pase, lead author, noted:
“It was somewhat surprising that diet soda consumption led to these outcomes.”
Dr. James Pickett from Alzheimer’s Society added:
“This research does not show causation, but the association is worrying and deserves further investigation.”
What You Can Do:
- Prefer water, coconut water, or natural fruit infusions
- Follow a balanced diet rich in whole grains, nuts, and vegetables
- Stay physically active and avoid smoking
- Be cautious of marketing claims around “healthy” soft drinks
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