Risk of Dementia Rises With Popular Drink

Your favorite daily drink may do more than quench your thirst, potentially affecting your brain health in ways you wouldn't expect.

According to Ambassador Arjan, quoted by Eating Well, sugar-sweetened beverages, including soda, sweet tea, sweetened juices, and energy drinks, may contribute to diseases associated with a higher risk of dementia if consumed continuously.

"Sweet drinks may not cause dementia on their own, but if consumed in excess over the long term, they can worsen known dementia risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease," says brain health nutritionist Maggie Moon.

Continuously drinking sugary drinks may affect brain health over time by causing blood sugar fluctuations. "These drinks are liquid sugar and have no protein, fiber or fat to slow absorption, so blood sugar can rise quickly," says Diana Dibley, a nutritionist, doctor and fellow at King's College London.

Of course, one serving of sugar-sweetened beverage is usually not harmful, but Dibley warns that the more you drink, the more the effects can be.

When blood sugar spikes occur frequently, as can occur with frequent consumption of sugary drinks, it actually contributes to insulin resistance.

"Insulin resistance is when your cells no longer respond well to insulin, the hormone that removes sugar from your blood, and over time can lead to type 2 diabetes," Dibley says.

But how is this related to brain health? "The brain relies on insulin signaling for energy and memory," Dibley explains. "Disruption of these processes may affect brain function, while diabetes-related complications may increase the risk of dementia."

He also points to a large 2023 study that found drinking more than two sugar-sweetened beverages per day—compared to none at all—was associated with a higher risk of dementia.

On the other hand, the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly, and healthy blood vessels make this possible. But frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to conditions that damage these vital vessels and, as a result, affect brain health.

"High consumption of sugary drinks over time has been linked to weight gain and obesity, as well as high blood pressure," Dibley says. These conditions can cause narrowing and hardening of blood vessels, including those that supply blood to the brain. As a result, damage to the blood vessels of the brain can disrupt blood circulation and lead to cognitive decline."

Both obesity and high blood pressure are known risk factors for dementia, Dibley notes.

Although studies have shown a link between sugar-sweetened beverages and the risk of dementia, more research is needed to confirm whether these beverages directly contribute to the disease. However, limiting sugary drinks can help maintain healthy blood vessels and brain function.

Research also shows that people who consume large amounts of added sugar (including through sugary drinks) tend to have lower diet quality and consume fewer nutrient-dense foods. This can eliminate or reduce consumption of brain-protective foods; Foods rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids, such as berries, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fish.

Of course, enjoying the occasional sugary drink doesn't mean you're depriving yourself of these nutrients. The main concern is when these drinks regularly replace options with higher nutritional value.