Sports Drinks Cause Alzheimer's: Here Are Two Other Drinks That Do Just The Same

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that is linked to a progressive decline of brain functioning affecting memory, thinking, behaviour and other mental abilities. It is the most common type of Dementia, a cluster of diseases that impair brain functioning. An estimated 6.7 million older adults have Alzheimer's disease in the United States. That number is expected to double by 2060, as per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While genetics and age play significant roles in the development of these conditions, experts emphasize that lifestyle choices, particularly diet, also play a pivotal role.

California-based gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi recently drew attention to three popular beverages that may increase the likelihood of Alzheimer’s Disease, in addition to significantly harming your brain.

1. Diet Soda

Often marketed as a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, diet soda may be misleadingly harmful. Sweetened with aspartame, a low-calorie sugar substitute that is around 200 times sweeter than natural sugar, diet soda can affect the gut-brain axis—a critical connection between intestinal health and cognitive function.

A study by the Florida State University College of Medicine revealed that even FDA—approved levels of aspartame could impair memory and learning in animals. Additionally, daily consumption of artificially sweetened beverages has been associated with a 2.9-fold increased risk of Dementia.

2. Alcohol

Alcohol is notorious for its negative impact on the brain. Alcohol, including the widely touted wine, disrupts gut bacteria, impairs liver health, and hinders deep sleep, all of which are crucial for brain health.

Deep sleep, specifically slow-wave sleep, plays an essential role in the brain's recovery and maintenance. Studies indicate that losing just 1% of slow-wave sleep annually could raise the risk of dementia by 27%. Moreover, alcohol consumption contributes to obesity and chronic inflammation, both linked to neurodegenerative diseases. As per brain experts, heavy drinking accelerates shrinkage, or atrophy, of the brain, which in turn is a critical determinant of neurodegenerative changes and cognitive decline in ageing.

3. Sports Drinks

Frequently consumed for hydration and energy, particularly sports drinks are often loaded with sugar. The lack of fibre in these beverages leads to rapid sugar absorption, causing spikes in blood glucose and insulin levels. Over time, this can contribute to insulin resistance, a known risk factor for Alzheimer's. Excess sugar intake has been linked to glucose build-up in the brain, which is associated with cognitive decline. Furthermore, diabetics, who are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s, often experience damage to blood vessels in the brain due to elevated blood sugar levels.

How To Identify Alzheimer's Disease

Anyone suffering from symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may experience one or more of the following:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as getting lost in familiar places or frequently repeating questions.
• Trouble handling money and paying bills.
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work, or during leisure activities.
• Decreased or poor judgment.
• Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
• Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour