More Than Just a Wake-Up Drink: How Coffee May Support Brain Health
Everyday, millions of people reach for coffee without even thinking twice about it. It’s a normal part of many people’s morning routines, study sessions, and workdays. However, scientists are discovering that this drink may have long-term effects beyond a boost in energy, including a possible link to lowering the risk of dementia.
Dementia is a condition that affects the memory, thinking, and behavior in typically older adults. Since there is no cure for most types of dementia, researchers are always looking for habits that might reduce the risk. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers followed more than 130,000 adults for several decades to examine how coffee and tea consumption were related to dementia risk.
As stated by JAMA, people who drank about two to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who rarely drank coffee. Higher caffeine intake was linked to about an 18 percent lower risk. According to researchers, decaffeinated coffee did not show the same results, which suggests that caffeine plays an important role.
“I knew coffee was a great way for people to stay awake, but I wasn’t aware that it could help people out in the long run,” said junior Janel Estevez.
Caffeine affects the brain by blocking a chemical called adenosine, which makes people feel tired. By blocking adenosine, caffeine increases alertness and brain activity. Some scientists believe that this process may also reduce inflammation in your brain, which is connected to cognitive decline.
Coffee also contains antioxidants and other natural compounds that may help protect brain cells from damage. When people age, oxidative stress and inflammation can contribute to memory loss and diseases like Alzheimer’s, for example. The antioxidants in coffee can help slow down this process, which would explain why coffee drinkers who drink a moderate amount show better cognitive performance in studies.
However, researchers are very careful to specify that these findings are an association but not exactly proof. Observational studies can identify patterns, but they cannot prove that coffee can directly prevent people from developing dementia. For people who drink a reasonable amount of coffee and also have a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly or maintaining a balanced diet, it may be possible to reduce the risk of dementia.
“I feel like people still need to be responsible with the amount that they drink, though cause it’s not beneficial for you if you’re not taking care of yourself,” said junior Eliezer Jean-Mary.
It is important to consider moderation when drinking coffee. An excessive amount of caffeine can cause anxiety, sleep problems, and an increased heart rate. Most studies recommend that people only drink about 2-3 cups per day. More than that can have negative effects on the body rather than additional protection.
Overall, research indicates that coffee offers more than just an energy boost in the morning. While it may not be a cure for dementia, a modest amount of caffeinated coffee consumption appears to be linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline over time. This is news that may excite coffee drinkers, but experts still say that maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains the most important step in protecting brain health.
