Findings from a long-term investigation show that caffeinated coffee and tea drinkers have lower odds of developing dementia, and the protection is most evident among people who drink two to three cups of caffeinated coffee every day.
Combining data from two extensive studies running from 1986 through 2023, the analysis included more than 130,000 participants who were free of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. By the end of the observation period, 1,033 were identified as having developed dementia.
Researchers analyzed self-reported data on intake of caffeinated coffee, tea, and decaffeinated coffee, tracking cognitive health outcomes over time. It revealed an 18% lower dementia risk among men and women who drank the most caffeinated coffee versus those with little or no intake. Caffeinated coffee intake was also connected to a reduced incidence of cognitive decline.
Although caffeinated coffee and tea were associated with lower dementia risk, the researchers did not investigate the causative mechanisms. Bioactive constituents like polyphenols and caffeine, found in abundance in these beverages, are hypothesized to provide neuroprotection by reducing inflammation, preventing cellular damage, and helping to stave off cognitive decline.
The researchers also examined participants with varying genetic risks for dementia and found the same protective association, indicating that the potential protective effects of coffee and caffeine are likely similar across high- and low-genetic-risk individuals.
The results emphasize moderation instead of maximizing consumption, with no extra protection from higher doses and the risk of caffeine-related side effects can have negative health consequences.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Coffee and Tea Intake, Dementia Risk, and Cognitive Function
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