Researchers analyzed data from two large cohort studies in the United States: the Nurses’ Health Study (86,606 women) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (45,215 men). The follow-up of the participants’ health lasted up to 43 years, sciencealert.com writes.
The results showed that people with the highest caffeine intake had an 18% lower risk of dementia than those who consumed almost no coffee or tea. The effect was most pronounced in participants who drank two to three cups of coffee or one to two cups of tea per day. Decaffeinated coffee showed no benefit, indicating that caffeine played a key role.
Interestingly, increased caffeine consumption did not impair cognitive function: the effect was maintained at about the same level as a moderate dose. Coffee and tea drinkers were also less likely to experience subjective memory and attention problems.
The authors of the study emphasize that the identified link is not proof of direct protection against dementia. Cognitive health depends on many factors: lifestyle, nutrition, health status and genetic predisposition.
Nevertheless, the results support previous studies showing that caffeine may be one element in maintaining brain health as we age.
