New research suggests that regular, moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee or tea may reduce the risk of dementia and modestly improve cognitive function. A large-scale study, analyzing data from over 130,000 participants over four decades, found that individuals who drank 2-3 cups of caffeinated coffee daily or 1-2 cups of caffeinated tea experienced an 18% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who consumed little to no caffeine.
Why This Matters
Dementia prevention is critical because effective treatments remain limited, and interventions are most impactful before significant cognitive decline occurs. This study adds to growing evidence that lifestyle factors – including diet – play a role in brain health. The findings are particularly relevant given the rising global incidence of dementia, driven by aging populations.
Key Findings
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Broad Institute analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS). The results showed:
- Reduced Dementia Risk: High caffeinated coffee drinkers had an 18% lower risk of dementia.
- Improved Cognitive Function: Caffeinated coffee consumption was associated with lower subjective cognitive decline (7.8% vs. 9.5%) and better performance on cognitive tests.
- Tea Benefits Similar: Moderate tea consumption yielded comparable neuroprotective effects.
- Decaf Ineffective: Decaffeinated coffee showed no protective benefit, strongly suggesting that caffeine is the key component.
- No Dosage Ceiling: Unlike some prior studies, higher caffeine intake did not diminish benefits.
The Role of Caffeine
The study reinforces the idea that caffeine and other bioactive compounds in coffee and tea may have neuroprotective qualities. These compounds may reduce inflammation and cellular damage, potentially slowing cognitive decline.
However, researchers caution that the effect size is modest, and caffeine is just one piece of the puzzle. “Our study suggests that caffeinated coffee or tea consumption can be one piece of that puzzle,” said Dr. Daniel Wang, the lead researcher.
Genetic Predisposition
Intriguingly, the cognitive benefits were observed regardless of genetic risk factors for dementia. This indicates that caffeine may be universally beneficial for brain health, though further research is needed to confirm this.
The findings were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
These results suggest that moderate caffeine intake can be a simple, accessible strategy for supporting long-term cognitive health. However, it’s important to note that this is just one factor among many, and a comprehensive approach to brain health includes diet, exercise, and mental stimulation.
