Drinking Coffee and Tea May Lower Risk of Dementia

A recent study found that drinking a moderate amount of caffeinated coffee or tea each day may help lower the risk of developing dementia. The study looked at many people over a long time. It suggests that these drinks could help keep your brain working well.
By Newsroom | Health, Science |

A recent, large-scale study indicates a significant association between the regular consumption of moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee or tea and a reduced risk of developing dementia. The findings suggest that these beverages may also play a role in slowing cognitive decline and preserving brain function over time.

Context

The investigation, which analyzed data from over 130,000 participants across two long-term health studies, including the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, tracked individuals for up to 43 years. Researchers examined self-reported dietary habits, focusing on the intake of caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea. This data was then correlated with records of cognitive health, including diagnoses of dementia and performance on cognitive assessments. The study's objective was to understand how these beverage choices might influence the risk of developing degenerative brain conditions and overall cognitive function.

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Coffee, Dementia Risk Discussed As New Study Shows Drinking 2-3 Cups Could Lower Possibility Of Developing Degenerative Disease - 1

Evidence

Key findings from the research highlight a clear pattern:

Coffee, Dementia Risk Discussed As New Study Shows Drinking 2-3 Cups Could Lower Possibility Of Developing Degenerative Disease - 2

  • Dose-Response: A nonlinear relationship was observed between the intake of caffeinated coffee and tea and the risk of dementia and subjective cognitive decline. The benefits appeared to plateau, with the most significant associations noted at specific consumption levels.

  • Optimal Intake: The cognitive benefits were most pronounced in individuals consuming two to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily or one to two cups of caffeinated tea daily.

  • Decaffeinated Coffee: No association was found between the consumption of decaffeinated coffee and a lower risk of dementia or improved cognitive performance.

  • Cognitive Decline: Caffeinated coffee drinkers also exhibited a lower prevalence of subjective cognitive decline and, in some cases, performed better on objective cognitive tests compared to those who consumed little to no caffeine.

  • Risk Reduction: Participants with the highest intake of caffeinated coffee and tea demonstrated an 18% lower risk of dementia compared to those who reported minimal or no consumption of these beverages.

Caffeinated Beverages and Cognitive Health

The study's comparison of caffeinated versus decaffeinated coffee is particularly noteworthy. Participants who favored caffeinated options reported less cognitive decline and showed better results on cognitive tests. This suggests that the presence of caffeine, rather than other compounds in coffee or tea, may be a primary driver of the observed benefits.

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Coffee, Dementia Risk Discussed As New Study Shows Drinking 2-3 Cups Could Lower Possibility Of Developing Degenerative Disease - 3

Decaffeinated Coffee's Role

While caffeinated beverages showed a positive association with cognitive health, decaffeinated coffee did not yield similar results. This observation further emphasizes the potential impact of caffeine itself. However, it's important to note that coffee and tea contain various other compounds, such as antioxidants, which might also contribute to brain health, although their specific roles in this context require further elucidation.

Coffee, Dementia Risk Discussed As New Study Shows Drinking 2-3 Cups Could Lower Possibility Of Developing Degenerative Disease - 4

Blood Pressure Considerations

A nuanced aspect of the research acknowledges that caffeine can affect blood pressure in some individuals. Given that elevated blood pressure is a known risk factor for dementia, this presents a complex interaction. While moderate caffeine intake may offer protective benefits, its impact on blood pressure could, in certain cases, counteract these advantages. This highlights the need for personalized considerations regarding caffeine consumption.

Study Limitations and Future Directions

The study is observational, meaning it identifies associations but cannot definitively prove cause and effect. Researchers are investigating the specific mechanisms through which caffeine and other compounds in coffee and tea might influence brain health, including their potential anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties. Further research may explore how these beverages interact with other lifestyle factors to impact cognitive longevity.

Expert Analysis

"The research offers what the authors believe to be the longest-term data to date on the relationship between caffeine consumption and cognition." (Nature)

"For decades, scientists have debated whether caffeine is a fleeting stimulant or a genuine health ally. The impact of caffeine on the brain still isn’t fully understood." (ZME Science)

"Compared with people who didn’t drink coffee or tea, those who had two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of tea per day had the lowest dementia risk." (NBC News)

Conclusion

The analysis strongly associates moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea with a reduced risk of dementia, slower cognitive decline, and better cognitive function. The findings suggest an optimal intake of two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea per day. However, the benefits were not observed with decaffeinated coffee. The study underscores the potential of these popular beverages as part of a brain-healthy lifestyle, while also acknowledging the need for continued research into the intricate biological pathways involved.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does drinking coffee or tea help prevent dementia?
A recent study found that drinking a moderate amount of caffeinated coffee or tea daily is linked to a lower risk of dementia.
Q: How much coffee or tea should I drink?
The study suggests that drinking two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea each day may be best for brain health.
Q: Does decaf coffee help?
The study did not find that decaffeinated coffee lowered the risk of dementia.
Q: Can I drink more than the recommended amount?
The benefits seemed to stop increasing after a certain amount, so drinking too much might not help more.
Q: Does this study prove coffee and tea prevent dementia?
This study shows a link, but it cannot prove that coffee and tea directly cause the lower risk. More research is needed.