A large-scale, long-term study has found that moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia and improved cognitive performance over time, adding to growing evidence on the role of diet in brain health.
According to the study, individuals who consumed 2–3 cups of caffeinated coffee or 1–2 cups of tea daily had an 18 percent lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who rarely consumed these beverages.
Participants in this group also demonstrated slower cognitive decline and better preservation of mental function over time.
The research, conducted by scientists from Mass General Brigham, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute, analyzed data from more than 131,000 participants enrolled in the long-running Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS).
Researchers tracked participants for up to four decades, examining dietary habits alongside dementia diagnoses, subjective cognitive concerns, and objective cognitive performance.
Over the study period, more than 11,000 participants developed dementia, enabling a robust analysis of long-term trends.
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Caffeine and Brain Health
The findings suggest that caffeine, along with bioactive compounds such as polyphenols found in coffee and tea, may play a role in supporting brain health.
These compounds are believed to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are associated with neurodegenerative conditions.
Notably, the study found no similar protective association with decaffeinated coffee, indicating that caffeine may be a key contributing factor. However, researchers cautioned that the observed benefits are modest and should be viewed as part of a broader set of lifestyle factors influencing cognitive health.
Implications for Prevention
With limited treatment options currently available for dementia, prevention has become a central focus of research.
Lifestyle interventions, including diet, physical activity, and cognitive engagement, are increasingly being explored as practical strategies to delay or reduce the onset of cognitive decline.
The study also found that the benefits of moderate caffeine consumption were consistent across individuals with varying genetic risk levels for dementia, suggesting that dietary habits may offer protective effects regardless of predisposition.
Researchers emphasized that while coffee and tea consumption alone cannot prevent dementia, moderate intake could form part of a broader, balanced approach to maintaining cognitive health over the long term.
