A neurologist has issued a stark warning that a popular drink could drastically raise your risk of dementia. Dr Clint Steele claims that diet soda increases the risk of stroke by 300% and dementia by 290%.

The 56-year-old, a specialist in the brain and nervous system, says he helps people improve their lives by boosting brain function and preventing, or even reversing, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In a message that has gone viral with over two million views, he cites long-term research linking daily consumption of the drink to serious health risks.

And his advice is simple – swap it for 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.

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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.

“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 34 years specialising in brain health and dementia prevention. And his work is inspired by a personal tragedy. He said: “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.

“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 doctor shared his warning in a video captioned: “Drinking this regularly increases your risk of stroke by 300% and dementia by 290%.”

Some viewers were shocked. Billy said: “I’m on way out then as I drink a minimum of 10 cans of Diet Coke per day everyday.”

Caz added: “No diet drinks and artificial sweeteners in my house ever, real butter and real milk nothing artificial it’s bad for you.”

Missy said: “Husband has had diet sodas daily for many years. He was just diagnosed with dementia.” Jenny added: “At least it wasn’t coffee! I’m good I hate diet soda.”

Pam said: “I’m the weirdo that only likes water and sparkling water, can’t stand syrupy flavoured soda and diet soda in particular.” Others disagreed with the doctor. Ette said: “My mother had dementia and barely ever drink pop at all, so there’s that so.”

Brix added: “My dad has dementia and never drank a diet drink in his life.” Another user said: “My grandmother lived to be 94. Drank Diet Coke everyday and never had any health problems.”

One more added: “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!”