CHICAGO, IL-The New York Times reports a study “provides evidence of cognitive benefits from coffee and tea – if it’s caffeinated and consumed in moderation: two to three cups of coffee or one to two cups of tea daily.
” Researchers observed that “people who drank that amount for decades had lower chances of developing dementia than people who drank little or no caffeine.” The findings “don’t prove caffeine causes these beneficial effects, and it’s possible other attributes protected caffeine drinkers’ brain health. But independent experts said the study adjusted for many other factors, including health conditions, medication, diet, education, socioeconomic status, family history of dementia, body mass index, smoking and mental illness.”
Some scientists “say caffeine might protect brain health because it contains components that reduce neuroinflammation or aid vascular function.” The study was published in JAMA.
- Optimal Intake: Moderate, regular consumption (2–3 cups of coffee or 1–2 cups of tea) showed the strongest association with lower dementia risk.
- Effect Size: The study found an up to 18 percent lower risk of dementia in high-consumption groups compared to those who drank little or no coffee.
- Not Decaf: Decaffeinated coffee did not show a significant relationship to reduced dementia risk.
- Neuroprotective Properties: Coffee and tea contain compounds like polyphenols and caffeine that may reduce inflammation and neuronal damage.
- Limitations: Experts noted that while the study suggests a potential benefit, it does not definitively prove that coffee/tea prevents dementia; it indicates an association. Other factors like lifestyle (diet, exercise) still play crucial roles.
- Timing: The findings were consistent across studies following participants for up to 43 years.
Media Release/AMA Morning Round/New York Times
