A recent study suggests that consuming two to three cups of strong coffee daily may help lower the risk of dementia and slow cognitive decline. Researchers analyzed data from over 130,000 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, spanning four decades. The findings, conducted by experts from Harvard, MIT, and Mass General Brigham, revealed that individuals who consumed the most caffeinated beverages had an 18% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who consumed little or no caffeine. Similar benefits were observed among people who drank one or two cups of tea per day. However, decaffeinated coffee did not show the same protective effect.
Professor Donal O’Shea, a Consultant Endocrinologist, characterised the study as encouraging and “reassuring” for individuals concerned about dementia. During an interview on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he noted that the research revealed a clear decline in dementia cases, though he emphasised the importance of moderation. “The ideal amount appears to be two to three cups of coffee per day. Caffeine has effects on circulation, and it’s important to note the study focused on a relatively young group,” he explained. O’Shea concluded, “The takeaway is moderation—too much of anything, even something beneficial, can be harmful.”
Coffee and tea are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and caffeine, which are increasingly recognised for their potential neuroprotective effects. These substances may help reduce inflammation and cellular damage, thereby offering protection against cognitive decline. In the study, participants underwent repeated evaluations of their diets, dementia status, subjective cognitive decline, and objective cognitive performance, with follow-up periods extending up to 43 years.
The researchers investigated how the consumption of caffeinated coffee, tea, and decaffeinated coffee affected each participant’s risk of dementia and overall cognitive health. Out of 131,821 participants, 11,033 developed dementia during the study period. “We also compared groups based on their genetic risk for dementia and observed similar outcomes, suggesting that coffee or caffeine may provide equal benefits for individuals regardless of their genetic predisposition to dementia,” noted lead author Yu Zhang, a student at Harvard Chan School and research trainee at Mass General Brigham.
Source: Timesofindia.com
