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A growing body of research suggests that while moderate coffee consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle, drinking too much of it may have unexpected consequences for the brain. New findings presented at the 2024 International Conference of the Alzheimer’s Association (AAIC) indicate that consuming four or more cups of coffee per day could speed up the decline of fluid intelligence—the mental capacity responsible for logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and solving abstract problems.
Coffee Habits Under the Microscope
Austria is known for its coffee culture, and according to a representative survey from last year, people in the country drink an average of 2.75 cups of coffee per day. Previous studies have generally classified this level of consumption as harmless. The new research, however, suggests that once daily intake exceeds three cups, the picture changes.
The study, conducted by scientists from the United States and Australia, followed around 8,500 adults with an average age of 68 over several years. Participants were divided into three groups: non-drinkers, moderate drinkers (one to three cups per day), and heavy drinkers (four or more cups). The heavy coffee drinkers showed a significantly faster cognitive decline than the other groups, particularly in areas tied to fluid intelligence. Skills such as vocabulary and general knowledge also deteriorated more rapidly among high consumers.
Interestingly, earlier research has often highlighted protective effects of moderate coffee consumption, including potential benefits for cardiovascular health and reduced risks of diabetes or Parkinson’s disease. The new findings do not contradict these results but emphasize that the dose makes the poison.
Tea Shows a Different Pattern
The study also examined tea consumption—and the results were strikingly different. Participants who regularly drank tea performed better on cognitive tests than those who avoided it. Drinking four or more cups of tea per day appeared to correlate with better mental resilience and even improved psychological well-being. While the study did not investigate the underlying mechanisms, the statistical link between tea and preserved fluid intelligence was clear.
Why Moderation Matters
For coffee lovers, the researchers offer reassurance: enjoying one to three cups daily may actually help slow cognitive decline. This aligns with previous studies that associate moderate coffee intake with various long-term health benefits. Problems seem to arise only when consumption exceeds the “magic threshold” of three cups.
Important Limitations
The authors caution that their findings come from an observational study, meaning they cannot prove causation. Participants self-reported their coffee intake, which introduces the possibility of memory errors. The study also did not account for brewing methods, bean varieties, or additives like sugar and milk. Moreover, most data came from the UK Biobank, whose participants tend to have a slightly higher-than-average BMI of 26, as noted by Geo magazine.
Despite these limitations, the research provides valuable insights into how lifestyle choices may influence cognitive health in older age. It also highlights the importance of balanced habits—especially in countries where coffee is a beloved daily ritual.
- source: oe24.at/picture: pixabay.com
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