Moderate Coffee and Tea Consumption Could Reduce Dementia Risk, Research Suggests
Drinking two to three cups of coffee or tea daily may help protect against dementia, according to new research. The study, which analysed data from more than 130,000 health workers, indicates that caffeine could play a key role in reducing brain inflammation and preventing the build-up of toxic amyloid-beta proteins, which are linked to cognitive decline.
Significant Findings on Caffeine and Cognitive Health
The analysis revealed that higher intake of caffeinated coffee was significantly associated with a lower risk of dementia. Specifically, participants who consumed the most coffee had an 18% reduced risk compared to those who drank the least. Similarly, tea drinkers experienced a 16% reduced risk. Those with the highest consumption of both beverages also showed a slower rate of cognitive decline over time.
No benefits were observed for decaffeinated coffee or tea, suggesting that caffeine is the protective ingredient. Drinking more caffeinated coffee was also linked to better cognitive performance, with similar connections noted for tea.
Moderate Intake Shows Most Pronounced Benefits
The authors found that the most pronounced association was among individuals who consumed a moderate amount of tea or coffee, with no additional advantages for those who drank more. Dr Daniel Wang, senior study author and associate scientist at the Mass General Brigham Department of Medicine, commented: ‘While our results are encouraging, it’s important to remember that the effect size is small and there are lots of important ways to protect cognitive function as we age.’
During the study period, which followed participants for an average of 43 years, 11,033 individuals developed dementia. Yu Zhang, lead study author and PhD student at Harvard Chan School, added: ‘Caffeine is likely equally beneficial for people with high and low genetic risk of developing dementia.’
Observational Nature and Expert Caution
Professor Tara Spires-Jones, Division Lead in the UK Dementia Research Institute, who was not involved in the study, noted: ‘This kind of observational research cannot prove conclusively that caffeine intake was the reason for lower dementia risk.’ She emphasised that while the findings are promising, further research is needed to establish causality.
Dementia affects individuals differently, and experts recommend consulting healthcare professionals for personalised advice. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition and regular exercise, remains crucial for cognitive health.
