Caffeine is a drug found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, sodas and some foods. Because caffeine is a stimulant, excessive caffeine consumption might cause sleep loss leading to memory problems, but there is no evidence that chronic caffeine use is otherwise linked to loss of memory. In fact, studies show caffeine use might improve memory.
Description
Medline Plus describes loss of memory as unusual forgetfulness. That could mean the inability to remember new events or memories of the past, or both. Normal aging can lead to slight memory loss but does not lead to dramatic memory loss unless diseases are involved, reports Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Loss of memory can be caused by depression, dementia, Parkinson's disease, encephalitis, head injuries and alcoholism. Memory problems are side effects of some pharmaceutical drugs, too, but medical websites do not list caffeine as a cause of memory loss.
Caffeine and Memory
Studies have linked caffeine use to better memory. In one 2011 animal study, chronic coffee consumption improved long-term memory in rats. Another controlled longitudinal study over decades conducted by the Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida, suggests that consuming five cups of coffee per day delays or reduces the risk of memory-robbing Alzheimer's disease. Because caffeine eliminates fatigue and increases wakefulness, however, excessive caffeine consumption can interfere with the ability to get a good night's sleep, according to MayoClinic.com.
Sleep and Memory
Sleep is important for good memory. Any amount of sleep deprivation diminishes mental performance the next day. The Franklin Institute notes that animals do not perform well on memory tests when deprived of sleep. Studies in animals and humans have suggested daytime brain activity is reactivated during sleep, which consolidates recent experiences into memory. Without adequate sleep due to excessive caffeine consumption, this process cannot occur, reducing the ability to remember well.
Tips
To help prevent memory loss, Harvard Medical School recommends getting regular exercise. People who exercise vigorously on a regular basis tend to stay mentally sharp into their 70s and 80s. Additionally, reading books and staying mentally active in other ways might delay or prevent memory loss, reports ScienceDaily, citing research presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 2009 meeting. Not smoking also might preserve your memory. Harvard indicates that studies show that smokers don't remember people's names and faces as well as nonsmokers. A healthy diet also is recommended for optimum memory.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?
- Medline Plus: Memory Loss
- "Pharmacology Biochemistry, and Behavior." Chronic Coffee and Caffeine Ingestion Effects on the Cognitive Function and Antioxidant System of Rat Brains; R.V. Abreu, et al.; June 2011
- "Neuroscience"; Caffeine Protects Alzheimer's Mice Against Cognitive Impairment and Reduces Brain Beta-Amylid Protection; G.W. Arendash; November 2006
- The Franklin Institute: The Human Brain
