Daily Caffeinated Coffee and Tea May Reduce Dementia Risk, Study Finds
According to a comprehensive U.S. study spanning over four decades, regularly drinking caffeinated coffee or tea may offer a slight protective effect against dementia. The research, funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in JAMA, analyzed data from 131,821 American adults over 43 years, providing long-term insights into caffeine's potential impact on brain health.
Key Findings on Caffeine and Cognitive Health
The study revealed that participants with the highest intake of caffeinated coffee experienced an 18% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with the lowest consumption. Additionally, these individuals showed a 2% lower rate of memory or thinking issues. Similar benefits were observed with caffeinated tea, but not with decaffeinated beverages, suggesting caffeine plays a crucial role.
Researchers noted that the optimal effects were seen in those consuming two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea daily. These participants also performed better on objective cognitive function tests, indicating a potential link between caffeine and enhanced mental performance.
Experts Urge Caution and Context
Despite these encouraging results, study leaders emphasize that the findings do not definitively prove caffeine protects the brain. Dr. Daniel Wang of Harvard Medical School stated that caffeine's effect was relatively small, and there are more established methods to safeguard cognitive function in aging, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet.
"Our study suggests that caffeinated coffee or tea consumption can be one piece of that puzzle," Wang told Reuters, highlighting that caffeine is only one factor in dementia prevention. The research also found that coffee and tea's bioactive ingredients, including caffeine and polyphenols, may help reduce inflammation and nerve cell damage, potentially guarding against cognitive decline.
Genetic Factors and Future Research
Interestingly, the study compared individuals with different genetic predispositions to dementia and found consistent results across groups. "Coffee or caffeine is likely equally beneficial for people with high and low genetic risk of developing dementia," said coauthor Dr. Yu Zhang of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
However, researchers caution that more studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms. They recommend viewing caffeine consumption as part of a broader lifestyle approach to brain health, rather than a standalone solution. Previous research has consistently linked factors like physical activity and nutrition to lower dementia risks, reinforcing the importance of holistic health practices.
