Research has highlighted a potential link between the consumption of tea and coffee and a reduced risk of dementia. A comprehensive study involving more than 131,000 health workers in the United States indicates that drinking these caffeinated beverages may not only offer immediate comfort but also support long-term cognitive health.
The research, conducted by experts at Harvard University, tracked participants for an average of 43 years, including 86,000 female nurses and 45,000 male health professionals. Participants completed dietary questionnaires every two to four years, which included queries about their intake of caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea. Cognitive performance was assessed through various tests, and during the follow-up, 11,033 cases of dementia were identified.
Caffeinated Drinks Linked to Cognitive Benefits
The findings suggest a significant association between higher consumption of caffeinated coffee and a reduced risk of dementia. Specifically, those who consumed the highest amounts of coffee appeared to have an 18% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who drank the least. Tea consumption also showed a notable effect, with the highest tea drinkers experiencing a 16% lower risk. Furthermore, individuals who consumed more tea and coffee exhibited a slower rate of cognitive decline than those who consumed less.
Among the nurses in the study, increased caffeinated coffee consumption correlated with better cognitive performance. Similar associations were identified for tea consumption. Interestingly, decaffeinated coffee did not show a link to lower dementia risk or improved cognitive function.
The researchers found that the most pronounced benefits were associated with moderate consumption levels. Specifically, they estimated that drinking about two to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily or one to two cups of tea was linked to the lowest dementia risk when compared to non-consumers. As the lead author, Yu Zhang from the TH Chan School of Public Health, articulated, “Greater consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea was associated with lower risk of dementia and modestly better cognitive function, with the most pronounced association at moderate intake levels.”
Expert Opinions on Study Limitations
Despite the promising results, experts have cautioned that the research does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Dr. Susan Kohlhaas, executive director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, emphasized that while the findings show an association between coffee and tea consumption and dementia risk, it does not prove that these beverages protect the brain. She noted that individuals who consume coffee or tea may have other lifestyle factors that also influence brain health, and reliance on self-reported data may affect the study’s conclusions.
Professor Tara Spires-Jones, division lead at the UK Dementia Research Institute, echoed these sentiments, stating, “This is a well-conducted study that looked at data from a large number of people over many years.” However, he pointed out that observational research has limitations, and other factors related to caffeine intake could also contribute to the observed effects on dementia risk.
As research continues, the implications of these findings could be significant. Identifying lifestyle factors that might reduce dementia risk remains a critical area of focus. The study’s revelation that moderate intake of tea and coffee may confer cognitive benefits invites further exploration into dietary habits and their impact on brain health.
