Sugar in drinks linked to Alzheimer's Disease

New research from the University of Alabama shows that regularly drinking sugary drinks may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease.

When the researchers studied the effects on mice of drinking water sweetened with sucrose, they found clear evidence of memory impairment.

During the study, the mice were divided into two groups. One of the groups, the control group, was given a regular diet and unsweetened water. The second group received the same diet, but with 10% sucrose-sweetened water. This is the equivalent to about five cans of sweetened beverages per day.

Results clearly showed that, compared with the control mice, the sucrose group gained more body weight and developed glucose intolerance, high levels of insulin, raised cholesterol and increased memory impairment.

There was also a two-three fold increase in insoluble amyloid in the brain, which is believed to be a cause of Alzheimer's Disease in humans.