Softdrinks rot your teeth and ... boost your memory?

FIZZY soft drinks may rot your teeth but new research suggests the sugary refreshments also boost the memory.

Contrary to conventional health messages, which have branded the high-sugar drinks as unhealthy, researchers in Scotland found that people who consumed 50g of sugar - just over the amount in one can of soft drink - could boost memory retention by almost one-fifth.

Neuroscientists from Glasgow Caledonian University said the effects might also help combat dementia in the elderly - and might eventually lead to better ways of treating memory problems in old age.