A new study suggests that moderate caffeine consumption from coffee and tea may lower the risk of developing dementia, but decaffeinated versions do not provide the same benefit.
Recent research has found that drinking two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea daily can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. This study involved a large cohort of 131,821 participants, tracked over a period of up to 43 years, providing substantial evidence regarding the cognitive benefits of caffeine. The findings suggest that those who consistently consumed caffeine had markedly lower rates of dementia compared to individuals who consumed little or none.
One of the key takeaways from the study, published in JAMA, is the importance of caffeine in potentially enhancing brain health. Aladdin Shadyab, a public health professor at UC San Diego, emphasized the significance of this large and rigorous study, which supports the notion that regular moderate consumption of caffeinated beverages, particularly coffee, may be linked to cognitive longevity. The research underscores the long-term benefits of caffeine in maintaining brain function and preventing degenerative diseases like dementia.
However, it is crucial to note that the beneficial effects are attributed specifically to caffeinated beverages, as decaffeinated coffee and tea do not show the same correlation with lower dementia risk. This distinction could influence consumers' choices regarding their beverage preferences and highlight the need for further research to explore the underlying mechanisms behind caffeine's protective effects against cognitive decline.
