The epidemiological evidence suggests that coffee consumption reduces the risk of cognitive decline, dementia and AD.
The caffeine in coffee is implicated as the active component associated with risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia among coffee drinkers.
When people with mild cognitive impairment (a condition of loss of memory and other mental functions less severe than outright dementia) drank three to five cups a day, they cut their risk of progressing to dementia.
Scientific studies have shown that caffeine and other substances in coffee have a number of different effects on the brain that would be expected to improve one’s chances of avoiding dementia.
Caffeine grows brain cells in the areas of the brain responsible for long-term memory. Caffeine increase short-term memory, concentration, and the ability to think clearly.
Coffee reduces inflammation and improves the health of the endothelial lining of arteries. Some substances in coffee also have significant antioxidant effects.
These all effects would also tend to help prevent metabolic syndrome, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions that increase the risk of dementia.
Some 1409 participants of the Cardiovascular Risks Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) were followed for an average of 21 years. By 1998, a total of 61 cases were identified as demented (48 with AD).
Coffee drinkers at midlife has a lower risk of dementia and AD later in life compared with those drinking no or only little coffee.
The lowest risk (65% decrease) was found in people who drank 3-5 cups per day.
Coffee and dementia
