Caffeine & Dementia

In the U.S., caffeine intake averages 200 mg per person per day, with the majority coming from coffee. Caffeine affects the central nervous system and often is consumed for its short-term stimulating effects. If you are one of the many Americans who regularly consume caffeine-containing products, you might be gaining long-term benefits by protecting yourself from dementia later in life.

Coffee Consumption Might Decrease Dementia Risk

The Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia study followed nearly 1,400 people over an average of 20 years. Participants who drank three to five cups of coffee per day had a 65 percent decreased risk of dementia compared with those who drank less coffee or no coffee at all. A 2010 review of studies examining caffeine intake and dementia found trends that suggested caffeine was protective against dementia. Researchers stopped just short of making any conclusive statements regarding caffeine and dementia because they felt more epidemiological studies were needed.

Delayed Dementia in Type 2 Diabetics

People with type 2 diabetes are at risk for and have more accelerated cognitive deficits as they age than their non-diabetic counterparts. Epidemiological evidence has suggested that caffeine and coffee consumption in people with type 2 diabetes might be associated with a decreased risk of developing dementia. Provided coffee is drunk by type 2 diabetics without excess added sugars from table sugar and cream, coffee could help people with type 2 diabetes stave off cognitive decline.

Source of Caffeine Likely Matters

Studies largely focus on caffeine intake from coffee and tea. Caffeine obtained from energy drinks and sodas has not been linked, and further research is needed to determine long-term effects of consumption of these products. Of particular concern is the amount of sugar some drinks contain and short-term side effects from ingesting large caffeine doses daily, such as increased anxiety, insomnia and possible caffeine intoxication. Pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to 300 mg per day from all sources due to risk of excess fetal exposure.

Caffeine is Neuroprotective

There is a large body of research that supports the hypothesis that long-term caffeine intake is associated with lower risks of dementia later in life. Most healthy Americans might benefit from moderate consumption of coffee or tea daily. Caffeine from an average of two to three cups per day is likely to be neuroprotective. You might want to consider caffeine intake from coffee or tea as part of your diet. Talk to your doctor first regarding medication interactions and to see if caffeine is contraindicated with any health conditions you have.