Alzheimer's accounts for 50 to 70 percent of dementia diagnoses. Alzheimer's disease is a disease of the brain in which memory and cognitive function are negatively affected. According to the Alzheimer's Association, dementia begins when nerve cells are killed by changes inside of the brain. There are several studies that support the use of caffeine to help protect, delay or treat Alzheimer's disease.
Significance
Alzheimer's disease is difficult for the patient and his family. As the disease progresses, the family must take on the care-giving role. Grooming, dressing, eating and bathing become the care giver's responsibility. Not only are memory and cognition affected but behavioral changes like mood swings, depression and hallucinations can occur for a person with Alzheimer's disease.
Prevention
Caffeine has been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. A study published in the "European Journal of Neurology" in 2002 by Hernani Maia and colleagues studied the effects of caffeine consumption on the development of Alzheimer's disease. The study followed 54 people likely to develop Alzheimer's disease for 20 years. Consumption of caffeine was responsible for preventing the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Blood Brain Barrier
The blood-brain barrier is the separation of the blood that circulates around the body and the cerebrospinal fluid that buffers the brain and transports vital nutrients. There is a disruption with the blood brain-barrier in people with Alzheimer's disease. A study published in the "Journal of Neuroinflammation" conducted in 2008 by Xuesong Chen and colleagues evaluated the protective aspects of caffeine in the deterioration of the blood-brain barrier. The study found that caffeine has some protective properties for the blood-brain barrier and degeneration of the brain.
Cognition
Moderate amounts of daily caffeine intake may help improve the cognition of people with Alzheimer's disease. A study published in "Neuroscience" in 2003 by Gary Arendash and colleagues analyzed the effects of caffeine on the cognition of Alzheimer's diseased rats. The study determined that caffeine can improve the cognition of rats with Alzheimer's. Similar results may be found in people living with Alzheimer's disease.
Expert Insight
Studies done on caffeine's effects on people with Alzheimer's disease are promising. However, in many of the studies, large amounts of caffeine needed to be ingested to see positive changes. If you or someone that you care about is affected by Alzheimer's disease, you must determine if the benefits outweigh the risks. An elevated heart rate and blood pressure can be the result of too much caffeine. If you think caffeine treatment might be right for you, consult your physician.
References
- Alzheimer's Associaton: Caring for Alzheimer's
- Wiley Online Library: Does Caffeine Intake Protect From Alzheimer's Disease?
- "Journal of Neuroinflammation"; Caffeine Blocks Disruption of Blood Brain Barrier in a Rabbit Model of Alzheimer's Disease"; Xuesong Chen, et al.; 2008
- Science Direct: Caffeine Protects Alzheimer's Mice Against Cognitive Impairment and Reduces Brain β-amyloid Production
