Alzheimer's is a disease that causes brain cells to die, which eventually leads to memory loss, confusion and difficulty concentrating. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, modifying lifestyle factors may reduce the risk for developing it. Research indicates that caffeine intake might provide a protective factor against Alzheimer's.
Beta-amyloid
Scientists from the Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute in Florida investigated the impact of caffeine intake in mice with cognitive decline. Mice received 1.5 mg of caffeine, which is the equivalent of 500 mg for humans, or a control. The mice performed cognitive skills such as learning, memory and recognition. Researchers found that mice consuming caffeine performed better on cognitive tasks compared to mice without caffeine. In addition, mice ingesting caffeine experienced decreases in the production of beta-amyloid, a protein that causes plaques in the brain that lead to Alzheimer's, according to research reported in the November 2006 issue of the journal "Neuroscience."
Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Researchers from the Hospital of Santa Maria and Laboratory of Neurosciences in Portugal studied whether caffeine could protect against the development of Alzheimer's disease. They discovered that patients with Alzheimer's consumed approximately 75 mg of caffeine daily for 20 years before their diagnosis, while the control group without Alzheimer's ingested roughly 200 mg of caffeine daily during the same 20-year period. Scientists concluded that caffeine intake might reduce the risk for Alzheimer's, according to findings published in the July 2002 issue of the "European Journal of Neurology."
Review of Scientific Studies
In research published in the 2010 issue of the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease," scientists from the University of Eastern Finland reviewed the scientific studies regarding the effects of caffeine intake on the risk for Alzheimer's. They concluded that caffeine intake reduces the risk for developing dementia and Alzheimer's.
Interactions
Caffeine might interfere with certain medications, including cimetidine, estrogens, fluconazole and terbinafine, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University website. Consult your health care provider before consuming caffeine or increasing your consumption if you are currently taking medications to avoid any interactions.
References
- "Neuroscience"; Caffeine Protects Alzheimer's Mice Against Cognitive Impairment and Reduces Brain Beta-Amyloid Production; G.W. Arendash, et al.; November 2006
- "European Journal of Neurology"; Does Caffeine Intake Protect From Alzheimer's Disease?; L. Maia, et al.; July 2002
- "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease"; Caffeine as a Protective Factor in Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease; M.H. Eskelinen, et al.; 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute: Coffee
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