Recent findings indicate that consistent caffeine intake may be related to a reduced risk of dementia and a slower deterioration of cognitive functions. This is based on one of the largest long-term studies that analyzed the habits of nearly 132,000 individuals over a span of 43 years. Researchers found that those who consumed the most caffeine had about an 18% lower risk of dementia compared to those who drank little or no coffee.

The study highlighted that coffee and tea drinkers performed slightly better in cognitive tests, pointing towards a potential protective effect of caffeine on brain health. It was noted that decaf coffee drinkers did not exhibit the same benefits, signaling that caffeine itself plays a crucial role in these cognitive outcomes. The most pronounced benefits were observed in individuals who consumed 2-3 cups of coffee or 1-2 cups of tea daily.

While the results are promising, researchers emphasize that the effect is modest and that numerous factors could contribute to these changes. The study encourages further research in this area to better understand the relationship between caffeine consumption and cognitive health.