Drinking coffee and tea may reduce dementia risk, study finds

If you’re looking for ways to preserve cognitive health as you age, your morning routine coffee either tea It may offer more benefits than you think. Recent research indicates that incorporating these drinks into your daily routine could help maintain brain function and possibly delay cognitive decline.

Two recent studies provide compelling evidence of the potential cognitive benefits of coffee and tea. The first study followed approximately 6,000 cognitively healthy adults, aged 68 and older, for nearly seven years. During the study period, about 230 participants developed dementiaThe results revealed a significant correlation between coffee and tea consumption and a lower risk of dementia.

Participants who consumed at least two cups of coffee a day were found to be 38% less likely to develop dementia compared to those who abstained from drinking coffee. Similarly, people who drank tea had a 36% lower risk of developing dementia than those who never drank tea.

According to Frank B. Hu, MD, PhD, professor and chair of the department of nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the beneficial effects of coffee and tea are likely attributed to their high polyphenol content. “Polyphenols are plant compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are beneficial for brain health” says Dr. Hu, who was not involved in the studies.

The second study, which followed 8,451 cognitively healthy adults aged 60 or older for about nine years, focused on fluid intelligence — the ability to solve abstract problems and think quickly. The findings suggested that moderate coffee consumption (0 to 3 cups per day) was associated with a slower decline in fluid intelligence compared with drinking four or more cups per day. In contrast, drinking one or more cups of tea per day was associated with a smaller decline in fluid intelligence than drinking no tea at all.

Dr. Glen Finney, professor of neurology and director of the memory and cognition program at Geisinger College of Health Sciences, attributes these benefits to the moderate levels of caffeine found in coffee and tea. “Fluid intelligence benefits from the ability to focus and think quickly, which I would expect to be enhanced by moderate levels of caffeine consumption,” says Dr. Finney.

However, Dr Finney also warns of the potential side effects of excessive caffeine intake. “It is possible to consume too much of a good thing. Too much coffee consumption can lead to overstimulation of brain activity, resulting in decreased cognitive performance,” he explains.

Potential risks and considerations

While moderate coffee and tea consumption can be beneficial, there are also potential risks associated with excessive consumption. Yu Chen, PhD, MPH, professor of epidemiology at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, notes that coffee contains substances such as cafestol, which can increase cholesterol levels. “Excessive coffee consumption may lead to other negative effects on cognitive health, including a possible increase in cholesterol,” says Dr. Chen.

Overall, these studies highlight the potential cognitive benefits of moderate coffee and tea consumption. As with any dietary habit, balance is key. While one or two cups of coffee or tea a day may support brain health and delay cognitive decline, it is important to avoid excessive consumption and consider other aspects of a balanced diet and lifestyle.