A major long-term study offers encouraging news for coffee drinkers, suggesting that moderate caffeine intake may be linked to a lower risk of dementia later in life. Researchers tracking the health habits of more than 130,000 adults over four decades found that people who consumed caffeinated coffee and tea regularly were less likely to develop neurodegenerative disorders than those who drank little or no caffeinated beverages.
The large observational study, involving participants from two extensive U.S. health cohorts, documented more than 11,000 cases of dementia over an average follow-up period of about 43 years. Investigators analyzed dietary data collected repeatedly throughout the study and compared rates of dementia among people with different levels of coffee and tea consumption. They also administered periodic cognitive tests to assess mental function over time.
Results showed that higher intake of caffeinated coffee was significantly associated with a reduced risk of dementia and modest gains in cognitive performance, while decaffeinated coffee did not show these benefits. Participants with the highest consumption of caffeinated coffee had an approximately 18 percent lower risk of developing dementia compared with those with minimal intake. Tea drinkers exhibited similar patterns, with moderate levels of daily tea linked to better cognitive outcomes.
The most pronounced associations emerged for individuals who drank about two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea per day. Beyond these moderate amounts, additional benefits were not observed, suggesting a potential threshold for optimal intake.
Experts caution that while the findings are compelling, they do not prove caffeine causes lower dementia risk. As an observational study, it cannot fully rule out the influence of other lifestyle factors that may also contribute to brain health. Nonetheless, the research adds to growing evidence that moderate consumption of caffeinated beverages may support cognitive longevity as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
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