Artificial Sweeteners and Cognitive Decline: Are Sugar Substitutes Sabotaging Brain Health? | Ep. 394 episode artwork

EPISODE · May 5, 2026 · 1H

Artificial Sweeteners and Cognitive Decline: Are Sugar Substitutes Sabotaging Brain Health? | Ep. 394

from The Aging Well Podcast · host Jeff Armstrong

Are artificial sweeteners helping us age well—or quietly working against our brain health?In this episode of The Aging Well Podcast, Jeff and Corbin unpack new research linking popular sugar substitutes to accelerated cognitive decline. While artificial sweeteners are often marketed as healthier alternatives to sugar, emerging evidence suggests the story may be more complex—especially for midlife and older adults concerned about dementia risk.Together, they explore the science behind the study, the broader metabolic and neurological implications of artificial sweeteners, and whether “natural” alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or stevia truly offer an advantage. This episode offers a balanced, science-based discussion to help listeners make informed decisions about sweeteners and long-term brain health.Article links:https://scitechdaily.com/popular-sugar-substitutes-linked-to-faster-cognitive-decline/https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000214023Please, support The Aging Well Podcast by hitting the ‘like’ button, subscribing/following the podcast, sharing with a friend, and….Tip Jar! All donations support this podcast to keep it going. https://paypal.me/theagingwellpodcastBUY the products you need to… age well from our trusted affiliates and support the mission of The Aging Well Podcast*.The Aging Well Podcast merchandise | Show how you are aging well | Use the promo code AGING WELL for free shipping on orders over $75 | https://theagingwellpodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/promo/AGINGWELLAuro Wellness | Glutaryl—Antioxidant spray that delivers high doses of glutathione (“Master Antioxidant”) and the new Copper Tripeptide (GHK-Cu) | 10% off Code: AGINGWELL at https://aurowellness.com/agingwellpodcastNutritional Biochemical Inc. (NBI) | Trusted supplement. NBIstands 100% behind the quality of their formulations and the science on whichthey’re based. | Click the following link and use the discount codeAGINGWELL for 10% off: https://shop.nbihealth.com/agingwellBerkeley Life | Optimize nitric oxide levels | Purchase your starter kit at a 15% discount | Use the promo code: AGINGWELL15 | https://berkeleylife.pxf.io/c/6475525/3226696/31118Oxford Healthspan | Primeadine®, a plant-derived spermidine supplement | 10% off code: AGINGWELL | https://oxford-healthspan.com/AgingWellJigsaw Health | Trusted supplements. “It’s fun to feel good.” | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL for 10% off: https://www.jigsawhealth.com/?rfsn=8710089.1dddcf3&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8710089.1dddcf3KneeMo | A smart device programmed to reduce your knee pain and keep you moving. | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL15 for 15% off: https://thekneemo.com/ref/agingwellProlon | The Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a revolutionary five-day nutrition program scientifically formulated to mimic the effects of a prolonged water fast while still allowing nourishment - supporting the benefits of fasting without the challenges and risks that come from water-only fasts. | For the best available discount always use this link: https://prolonlife.com/theagingwellpodcastL-Nutra Health | The medical division of L-Nutra, focused on helping people manage and potentially reverse chronic health conditions, like type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity, using personalized, lifestyle-based programs grounded in evidence, not prescriptions. | Use this link: https://l-nutrahealth.com/theagingwellpodcastDr Lewis Nutrition | Fight neurodegeneration and cognitive decline with Daily Brain Care by Dr Lewis Nutrition—a proven daily formula designed to protect and restore brain function. | 10% off code: AGINGWELL or use the link: https://drlewisnutrition.com/AGINGWEL*We receive commission on these purchases. Thank you.

Are artificial sweeteners helping us age well—or quietly working against our brain health?In this episode of The Aging Well Podcast, Jeff and Corbin unpack new research linking popular sugar substitutes to accelerated cognitive decline. While artificial sweeteners are often marketed as healthier alternatives to sugar, emerging evidence suggests the story may be more complex—especially for midlife and older adults concerned about dementia risk.Together, they explore the science behind the study, the broader metabolic and neurological implications of artificial sweeteners, and whether “natural” alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or stevia truly offer an advantage. This episode offers a balanced, science-based discussion to help listeners make informed decisions about sweeteners and long-term brain health.Article links:https://scitechdaily.com/popular-sugar-substitutes-linked-to-faster-cognitive-decline/https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000214023Please, support The Aging Well Podcast by hitting the ‘like’ button, subscribing/following the podcast, sharing with a friend, and….Tip Jar! All donations support this podcast to keep it going. https://paypal.me/theagingwellpodcastBUY the products you need to… age well from our trusted affiliates and support the mission of The Aging Well Podcast*.The Aging Well Podcast merchandise | Show how you are aging well | Use the promo code AGING WELL for free shipping on orders over $75 | https://theagingwellpodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/promo/AGINGWELLAuro Wellness | Glutaryl—Antioxidant spray that delivers high doses of glutathione (“Master Antioxidant”) and the new Copper Tripeptide (GHK-Cu) | 10% off Code: AGINGWELL at https://aurowellness.com/agingwellpodcastNutritional Biochemical Inc. (NBI) | Trusted supplement. NBIstands 100% behind the quality of their formulations and the science on whichthey’re based. | Click the following link and use the discount codeAGINGWELL for 10% off: https://shop.nbihealth.com/agingwellBerkeley Life | Optimize nitric oxide levels | Purchase your starter kit at a 15% discount | Use the promo code: AGINGWELL15 | https://berkeleylife.pxf.io/c/6475525/3226696/31118Oxford Healthspan | Primeadine®, a plant-derived spermidine supplement | 10% off code: AGINGWELL | https://oxford-healthspan.com/AgingWellJigsaw Health | Trusted supplements. “It’s fun to feel good.” | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL for 10% off: https://www.jigsawhealth.com/?rfsn=8710089.1dddcf3&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8710089.1dddcf3KneeMo | A smart device programmed to reduce your knee pain and keep you moving. | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL15 for 15% off: https://thekneemo.com/ref/agingwellProlon | The Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a revolutionary five-day nutrition program scientifically formulated to mimic the effects of a prolonged water fast while still allowing nourishment - supporting the benefits of fasting without the challenges and risks that come from water-only fasts. | For the best available discount always use this link: https://prolonlife.com/theagingwellpodcastL-Nutra Health | The medical division of L-Nutra, focused on helping people manage and potentially reverse chronic health conditions, like type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity, using personalized, lifestyle-based programs grounded in evidence, not prescriptions. | Use this link: https://l-nutrahealth.com/theagingwellpodcastDr Lewis Nutrition | Fight neurodegeneration and cognitive decline with Daily Brain Care by Dr Lewis Nutrition—a proven daily formula designed to protect and restore brain function. | 10% off code: AGINGWELL or use the link: https://drlewisnutrition.com/AGINGWEL*We receive commission on these purchases. Thank you.

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Artificial Sweeteners and Cognitive Decline: Are Sugar Substitutes Sabotaging Brain Health? | Ep. 394

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This episode was published on May 5, 2026.

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Are artificial sweeteners helping us age well—or quietly working against our brain health?In this episode of The Aging Well Podcast, Jeff and Corbin unpack new research linking popular sugar substitutes to accelerated cognitive decline. While...

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