Large Study Finds No Link Between Sugary Drinks and Dementia in Older Adults

Recent research involving multiple U.S. cohorts has found that consuming sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages in later life does not increase the risk of developing dementia. Conducted by Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China alongside American researchers, the study analyzed data from over 10,000 adults aged 65 and above, tracking their beverage intake and health outcomes over an average of 10.7 years.

The study, titled "Sweetened Beverages and Incident All-Cause Dementia Among Older Adults," included participants who provided dietary information through validated questionnaires. Researchers observed that during the follow-up period, 2,445 individuals developed dementia. Importantly, the analysis showed no significant association between the consumption of diet or sugary drinks and dementia risk. Specifically, those who consumed artificially sweetened beverages daily had a hazard ratio of 1.00, indicating no increased risk compared to abstainers. Similarly, participants drinking sugar-sweetened drinks daily did not show a higher incidence of dementia.

The findings were consistent across various subgroups and analyses, suggesting that late-life intake of these beverages does not influence dementia development. Interestingly, the study confirmed that adherence to a Mediterranean diet was linked to a reduced risk of dementia, highlighting the importance of overall diet quality.

While excess sugar intake is a known risk factor for obesity and diabetes—conditions associated with higher dementia risk—this study suggests that simply reducing sweetened drinks in old age may not provide cognitive benefits. The authors emphasize that prevention efforts should focus on earlier life stages, when brain and body systems are more adaptable.

These insights reinforce existing dietary guidelines encouraging reduced sugar consumption for cardiovascular and metabolic health, but they also indicate that the impact of late-life diet modifications on cognition may be limited. Overall, the research provides reassurance that habits in older age alone do not determine dementia risk, prompting a shift towards early intervention and lifelong healthy habits.

For more details, refer to the original study published in JAMA Psychiatry (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-sugary-older-age-effect-dementia.html