Insights by: Dr. Gary Olsen DC CSCS
Conclusion: The study, published online in Stroke on April 20, showed that consumption of one can of diet soda or more each day was associated with a three times increased risk for stroke and dementia over a 10-year follow-up period compared with individuals who drank no artificially sweetened beverages. “There are many studies 
now suggesting detrimental effects of sugary beverages, but I think we also need to consider the possibility that diet drinks may not be healthy alternatives,” lead author, Matthew P. Pase, PhD, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts.
Another study by the same group, published online in Alzheimer’s and Dementia on March 5, shows a link between consumption of both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages and reduction in brain volume in a middle-aged cohort. In the cross-sectional study, the sugary drinks, which included both soda and fruit juice, were also associated with worse episodic memory. My opinion and recommendation is avoid both sugar sweetened and artificially sweetened drinks as they do have a negative effect on the brain and body. Choose water!!
Journal: Diet Drinks Linked to Increased Stroke and Dementia Risk – Medscape – Apr 20, 2017. Stroke. Published online April 20, 2017. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Published online March 5, 2017.
