Coffee Consumption And Dementia Risk

The Study

For decades, coffee and caffeine were considered unhealthy habits. However, as research methods started to improve in the last 30 years or so, opinions are changing fast. In this interesting study, 131,821 subjects from Harvard’s Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professional Follow-up Study had their coffee drinking habits measured and were followed for up to 43 years. They were also followed for a diagnosis of dementia.

The results were compelling:

-When comparing subjects who consumed the most caffeinated coffee to subjects consumed the least, there was an 18% lower risk of dementia.

-Higher consumption of caffeinated tea showed similar cognitive benefits.

-2 to 3 cups of coffee per day (or 1 to 2 cups of tea) offered the most pronounced benefit.

-Interestingly, decaf coffee was not associated with cognitive protection.

doi:10.1001/jama.2025.27259

Take Home Message

Coffee contains polyphenols and caffeine which may be neuroprotective. In this study, decaf coffee did not seem to have much of an effect, so caffeine may just be the important component.

Either way, if you enjoy coffee, it is nice to know that this habit may also lower your risk of cognitive decline.