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VIENNA – Austrians are among Europe’s keen coffee drinkers, consuming an average of around 2.75 cups per day, according to a representative survey conducted last year. While moderate coffee consumption is generally considered safe, new research suggests that regularly drinking large amounts of coffee could have negative effects on cognitive health later in life.
Scientists from the United States and Australia reported at the 2024 International Conference of the Alzheimer’s Association (AAIC) that consuming four or more cups of coffee daily may accelerate the decline of so-called “fluid intelligence” – the mental ability to think logically, recognize patterns and solve abstract problems.
The findings are based on a long-term study involving approximately 8,500 participants with an average age of nearly 68 years. Researchers divided the subjects into three groups: non-drinkers, moderate coffee consumers who drank one to three cups per day, and heavy coffee drinkers.
According to the study, participants in the heavy-consumption group experienced a significantly faster cognitive decline than the other groups. Abilities linked to reasoning and problem-solving appeared particularly affected. Vocabulary and general knowledge also deteriorated more quickly among those with high coffee intake.
Researchers noted that excessive caffeine consumption seemed to have the strongest impact on logical reasoning skills, while previous studies have often linked moderate coffee consumption with potential protective effects on brain health.
Tea Linked to Better Cognitive Outcomes
The study produced notably different results for tea drinkers. Participants who consumed tea regularly showed fewer signs of declining cognitive performance compared with those who did not drink tea at all.
Drinking four or more cups of tea per day was associated with better mental well-being and appeared to offer protection against declines in fluid intelligence. Although the researchers did not specifically investigate the biological reasons behind the difference, the statistical association between tea consumption and preserved cognitive abilities was clear.
Moderation Remains Key
Despite the warning for heavy coffee drinkers, the researchers emphasized that moderate consumption may still be beneficial. Drinking one to three cups of coffee daily was associated with a slower decline in certain mental functions.
These findings are consistent with earlier research that has linked moderate coffee intake to possible health benefits, including a reduced risk of stroke, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. The study therefore suggests that the amount consumed may be more important than coffee itself.
Experts say people who regularly exceed three cups of coffee per day should be mindful of their intake if they want to maintain cognitive agility as they age.
Study Limitations
The researchers cautioned that the results come from an observational study and do not prove that coffee directly causes cognitive decline. Participants reported their own consumption habits, leaving room for inaccuracies in memory and reporting.
In addition, factors such as coffee preparation methods and specific coffee varieties were not taken into account. Most of the data originated from participants in the UK Biobank, whose average body mass index (BMI) was around 26, according to reports cited by Geo magazine.
While further research is needed to establish a direct causal link, the findings provide another indication that dietary habits may play an important role in preserving brain health during aging.
- source: oe24.at/picture: pixabay.com
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