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. A decades‑spanning study involving more than 130,000 adults suggests that drinking two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of tea per day is associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia. The findings, published in JAMA, indicate that people with the highest caffeine intake had an 18% reduced dementia risk compared with those who consumed little or none.
A closer look at the findings
Researchers from Mass General Brigham, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute analyzed dietary and health data collected over up to 43 years. During this period, 11,033 participants developed dementia. Those who regularly consumed caffeinated coffee or tea showed better cognitive outcomes and reported fewer subjective memory problems than low‑consumption groups.
Importantly, decaffeinated coffee did not show similar benefits, reinforcing the idea that caffeine and other bioactive compounds—such as polyphenols—may play a key role. These substances are known to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to cognitive decline.
Moderate intake appears most beneficial
The protective effect was strongest among people who consumed caffeine in moderate amounts. While higher intake did not provide additional benefits, it also did not appear harmful in this study. The results were consistent across different genetic risk profiles, suggesting that caffeine’s potential protective effect applies broadly.
How the study was conducted
Participants from two major U.S. cohort studies—the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow‑Up Study—completed repeated dietary questionnaires and cognitive assessments over several decades. This extensive follow‑up allowed researchers to track long‑term patterns and outcomes with unusual precision.
Important caveats
Despite the encouraging results, scientists emphasize that this was an observational study, meaning it cannot prove that caffeine directly prevents dementia. Other lifestyle factors—such as diet, exercise, sleep, and social engagement—also play crucial roles in maintaining cognitive health.
Moreover, the study did not differentiate between coffee or tea varieties, brewing methods, or roast levels, all of which could influence the effects of bioactive compounds.
Why prevention matters
With dementia rates rising globally and current treatments offering limited benefit once symptoms appear, early prevention strategies are increasingly important. Lifestyle‑based approaches, including diet, are gaining attention as accessible ways to support long‑term brain health.
The bottom line
While caffeine is not a cure‑all, this large and long‑running study suggests that moderate daily consumption of coffee or tea may be one helpful piece of the dementia‑prevention puzzle. As senior author Daniel Wang notes, caffeinated beverages could be a simple, everyday habit that supports healthy cognitive aging—though they should be considered alongside a broader set of protective lifestyle choices.
- Hector Pascua with reference from de. euronews.com/picture: pixabay.com
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