Khaberni - People around the world enjoy coffee and tea, and a recent study suggests that moderate consumption of coffee and tea may reduce the risk of dementia and slow cognitive decline.
Dr. Naweed Sattar, a cardiology and metabolism specialist at the University of Glasgow, says: "This is a well-executed study, given the type of data available. It relies on observational rather than experimental data, yet the results obtained by the researchers are preliminary."
Researchers led by No Yu Chang, an epidemiologist at Harvard University in Cambridge, used data from two long-term health studies - the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study - to track caffeine consumption habits of more than 130,000 healthcare workers over 43 years. Participants filled out questionnaires about their diet and cognitive abilities.
The results showed that moderate caffeine consumption (2-3 cups of coffee or 1-2 cups of tea daily) was associated with the greatest decrease in the risk of dementia and slowing of cognitive decline. Even the lowest level of consumption showed a positive effect on the brain.
Researchers confirm that the relationship between caffeine consumption and cognitive health continued even among participants who drink large amounts of coffee - up to five cups daily. The risk of dementia was 18 percent lower in these individuals compared to those who drink less coffee or none at all.
According to the researchers, although the study does not directly confirm that coffee consumption reduces the risk of dementia, the data reveal the important role of caffeine in improving cognitive functions. This could be one of the components of a comprehensive approach to protecting the brain from the effects of aging.
No Yu Chang says: "The effect size is small, and there are many important ways to protect cognitive functions in aging. Our study suggests that drinking caffeinated coffee or tea may be part of the solution."
