Sugar-sweetened beverages consumption is associated with worse cognitive functions in older adults: from the national health and nutrition examination survey and food patterns equivalents database

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption (including individual SSB) and cognitive function from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED) and whether it is age-dependent. Methods: Older adults aged 60 years old and over were included during the NHANES 2011–2014. SSB consumption was defined as the amount of added sugar obtained by connecting the NHANES and FPED. Cognitive function tests included the consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer's disease test, Animal Fluency Test and Digit Symbol Substitution Test. We calculated z-score using the average of the total standardized scores on three cognitive tests to estimate the level of whole cognition. Multi-variable linear regression models and interaction analysis were conducted in this study. Results: For individual SSB types, increased carbonated soft drinks, sweetened tea, fruit drinks, energy drinks, and sport drinks were all significantly linked to declined cognitive function (P < 0.05), respectively. Nevertheless, interaction effects by age groups were not significant (P for interaction > 0.05). Discussion: SSB consumption (including individual SSB) was negatively associated with cognitive function, which was not age-dependent. Future studies may advance the knowledge in the field considering the association between SSB consumption and cognitive function.