A doctor has warned that a popular drink could significantly increase your chances of developing stroke and dementia, with studies showing those who consume it daily face dramatically higher risks
06:00 ET, 14 Dec 2025Updated 07:08 ET, 14 Dec 2025
Experts have recommended drinking teas(Image: Getty Images)
A brain doctor has issued a stark warning about a widely consumed beverage that could dramatically heighten your risk of dementia. Dr Clint Steele cautions that diet soda increases stroke risk by 300% and dementia risk by 290%.
The 56-year-old expert, who specializes in optimizing brain health and preventing or potentially reversing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, has published findings that have garnered more than two million views online. He cites longitudinal research linking daily intake of the drink to serious health issues.
His advice is simple – make the switch to water or tea before it’s too late. “There have been numerous studies to prove that this type of drink can be damaging to your brain and also to your body,” said Dr Steele, reports the Irish Mirror.
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“Specifically, your cardiovascular system. But this specific study was very interesting because what they did was that they tracked people’s eating and drinking habits over the course of seven years.”
Costco has confirmed that it will be switching out Pepsi products for Coca Cola products(Image: Getty)
He added: “And then what they did was they tracked them 10 years after that – to see who developed stroke and dementia symptoms.
“They found the people who drink diet soda on a daily basis, at least one a day, had an increased risk of stroke by 300%.
“And an increased risk of dementia by 290%. These are chemicals that are damaging your body and brain.
“Instead, replace it with good stuff like water and tea. You don’t need these sugary drinks.
“Soda is just as damaging, but what we’re seeing in the research is that diet soda and these chemicals that are used for sweeteners are more damaging.
“Even if you drink it multiple times per week, it’s still damaging. Give it up.”
Dr Steele has spent over three decades focusing on brain health and preventing dementia, a passion born from devastating family tragedy.
He shared: “My grandmother passed from dementia, and it is one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen, her not knowing me or even my mum, her daughter.
Dr Clint Steele says even one a day will damage your health and you should swap it for something else – stock photo
“She was in a care facility, and they would show her flash cards of various fruits and animals – she would have no idea what they were.
“Even though she did not know who I was, she would whisper in my ear, ‘Please, help get me out of here. I just want to go fishing’.
“It broke my heart, and I knew I needed to do something so others did not have to go through this.”
The health professional delivered his alarming message in a video captioned: “Drinking this regularly increases your risk of stroke by 300% and dementia by 290%.”
The bombshell disclosure shocked countless viewers. Billy admitted in the comments: “I’m on way out then as I drink a minimum of 10 cans of Diet Coke per day everyday.”
Another commenter, Caz, wrote: “No diet drinks and artificial sweeteners in my house ever, real butter and real milk nothing artificial it’s bad for you.”
Missy shared: “Husband has had diet sodas daily for many years. He was just diagnosed with dementia.”
Jenny added her two cents: “At least it wasn’t coffee! I’m good I hate diet soda.”
Pam voiced her preference: “I’m the weirdo that only likes water and sparkling water, can’t stand syrupy flavored soda and diet soda in particular.”
However, not everyone was on board with the doctor’s claims. Ette rebutted: “My mother had dementia and barely ever drink pop at all, so there’s that so.”
Brix chimed in: “My dad has dementia and never drank a diet drink in his life.”
Another respondent argued: “My grandmother lived to be 94. Drank Diet Coke everyday and never had any health problems.”
One user questioned: “So why is my 92 year old mother in law still kicking it? All I have ever seen her drink for the last 40 years is Diet soda!”.