Researchers have found that drinking several cups of caffeinated beverages daily may help modestly preserve brain function and reduce the risk of dementia. According to a study published by the JAMA, individuals with the highest daily intake of caffeine had an 18% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with the lowest consumption. This research involved responses from 132,000 American adults over a four-decade period, providing a significant dataset to support these findings.

The study also indicated that participants who consumed more caffeine exhibited a nearly 2 percentage point lower rate of self-reported memory or reasoning problems compared to those with lower consumption levels. These findings suggest a potential link between caffeine consumption and cognitive health, as participants who consumed caffeinated drinks had better self-reported memory performance. Interestingly, similar outcomes were observed with caffeinated teas, whereas decaffeinated beverages did not show the same protective effects.

Despite the encouraging results, researchers emphasize that the study does not definitively prove that caffeine directly aids in brain protection. Further research is necessary to establish a clear causal relationship. Nonetheless, these findings contribute to the growing body of evidence suggesting that moderate caffeine intake could be beneficial for maintaining cognitive function and potentially delaying the onset of dementia symptoms.