Long-term study links caffeine to lower cognitive decline
Researchers say moderate caffeine intake may protect against dementia and promote brain health
A 43-year-long study suggests that moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee or tea may help protect the brain from cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia.
Researchers analyzed data from 130,000 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS), finding that drinking 2–3 cups of coffee or 1–2 cups of tea per day was associated with slower cognitive decline and improved long-term brain health. The findings were published in JAMA.
Senior author Daniel Wang explained, “When searching for possible dementia prevention tools, we thought something as prevalent as coffee could be a promising dietary intervention.
Our unique access to over 40 years of high-quality data allowed us to explore this idea thoroughly.”
While the results are encouraging, Wang cautioned that the impact is modest. “There are many ways to protect cognitive function as we age. Coffee or tea may be one piece of the puzzle,” he said.
The research highlights the importance of prevention, as treatments for dementia remain limited and often provide little improvement once symptoms appear.
Scientists are increasingly studying how lifestyle patterns and diet influence dementia risk.
Coffee and tea contain biologically active compounds, including caffeine and polyphenols, which may protect the brain by reducing inflammation and limiting cellular damage linked to cognitive decline.