Three Major Drinks Increasing Alzheimer's Risk: Alcohol, Carbonated Beverages, and This

An expert has claimed that diet sodas, alcohol, and sports drinks may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. On the 22nd (local time), the New York Post reported that Dr. Saurabh Setti, a physician from California, identified three types of beverages?diet sodas, alcohol, and sports drinks?that raise the incidence of Alzheimer's, explaining the effects each drink has.

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First, warnings have been issued that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, found in diet sodas, are harmful to the brain. Artificial sweeteners are toxic to gut bacteria, which affects inflammation in the body and can negatively impact blood flow to the brain. In particular, Dr. Setti explained, "Beverages sweetened with aspartame are bad for gut bacteria," adding, "The gut and brain are strongly connected." Last year, a committee under the World Health Organization (WHO) classified aspartame as a 'possibly carcinogenic substance,' although the industry strongly disputed this.

Alcohol also negatively affects gut bacteria and further disrupts sleep. While alcohol consumption makes people feel drowsy, it is difficult to achieve restful sleep, which can adversely affect brain health. In fact, a 2021 study by Harvard Medical School found that people who sleep less than five hours have twice the risk of developing dementia compared to those who sleep six to eight hours. Dr. Setti also stated, "Alcohol can cause obesity," explaining, "Obesity is a gateway to numerous cancers and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's."

Sports drinks were also evaluated as potentially harmful. Dr. Setti said, "Generally, sports drinks have very high sugar content, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which affect insulin resistance and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease." He emphasized, "Diabetic patients tend to have a higher risk of Alzheimer's because high blood sugar can damage cerebral blood vessels and promote inflammation. Excessive sugar intake from products like sports drinks can lead to glucose accumulation in parts of the brain, potentially causing Alzheimer's disease."

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