The study found an association, not proof that artificial sweeteners directly caused the decline. The findings add to growing research examining the long-term health effects of sugar substitutes commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free foods and other low-calorie products. The researchers also found that high sweetener intake was linked to faster cognitive decline in both participants with and without diabetes, although the affected cognitive domains differed between the groups. In the study, the researchers wrote, "Consumption of LNCSs was associated with an accelerated rate of cognitive decline during 8 years of follow-up." They added, "Our findings suggest the possibility of long-term harm from LNCS consumption, particularly artificial LNCSs and sugar alcohols, on cognitive function."