A study conducted by researchers from China concluded that high lifetime sugar consumption could significantly contribute to the onset of dementia. The cases were found in middle-aged adults in their 50s.
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05/09/2026
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Um study suggests that excessive sugar consumption may increase the risk of dementia, and genes may contribute to this risk being even greater.
In the research in question, EatingWell highlights, researchers followed over 158,000 adults for almost a decade and found that high sugar intake was associated with a significantly higher probability of developing dementia, with certain genetic characteristics amplifying this risk.
Although dementia is usually considered to be an elderly disease, its biological bases can be established decades earlier.
The study in question accompanied people aged 50 years to assess whether sugar intake at this stage of life was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia in the following decade, even before the onset of symptoms.
Study details
The study was conducted by a team of medical researchers from China with experience in nutrition, epidemiology and chronic diseases.
For this analysis, the researchers concentrated on 158,408 participants, with a mean age of 56 years.
Through food records, the team managed to estimate the intake of added and natural sugars of each person.
What did the study find?
During the follow-up period, approximately 0.7% of participants received the diagnosis of dementia. It may seem little, but it's significant, considering most people were in their 50s.
Besides, the researchers found that people who consumed more added sugar had a 43% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who consumed less. Even sugars naturally present in food were associated with an increased risk, although the effect was lower.
Furthermore, participants with certain genetic characteristics related to the intestine were more sensitive to the effects of sugar.
How does this apply to real life?
Dementia is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The study suggests that what you eat throughout your life, especially with regard to sugar, can influence the health of your brain in the future.
Sugar consumption is an adjustable risk factor, so its reduction is highly recommended. For those with genetic predisposition to dementia, this may be especially important.