This is the fifth of an eight part series on common myths of Alzheimer’s Disease.  These myths were originally provided by the Alzheimer’s Association.  Senior Solutions has memory care services available at three of our locations and we are committed to being an active part of the Alzheimer’s community.  We look forward to your feedback on this series.

Myth 5: Aspartame causes memory loss.

Reality: This artificial sweetener, marketed under such brand names as Nutrasweet and Equal, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in all foods and beverages in 1996. Since approval, concerns about aspartame’s health effects have been raised. 

According to the FDA, as of May 2006, the agency had not been presented with any scientific evidence that would lead to change its conclusions on the safety of aspartame for most people. The agency says its conclusions are based on more than 100 laboratory and clinical studies. Read the May 2006 FDA statement about aspartame.