Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 10: Coffee, a staple for millions to kick-start their mornings or beat the post-lunch slump, may offer more than just a burst of energy. A large-scale research study published in the JAMA Network has found a link between moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee and a reduced risk of dementia.
With neurodegenerative disorders increasingly affecting ageing populations and impairing memory, thinking and daily functioning, the findings have drawn attention for highlighting coffee’s potential protective role in cognitive health.
Physician and scientist Dr Eric Topol flagged the study on social media platform X on February 7, underscoring its significance. Sharing key data, he noted that regular intake of caffeinated coffee or tea was associated with improved cognition and a lower incidence of dementia over the long term.
The study tracked nearly 1.3 lakh participants over a period of 37 years, making it one of the most extensive investigations into caffeine and brain health. Researchers observed that the most pronounced benefits were seen among those who consumed around two cups of caffeinated coffee per day. Importantly, the reduced dementia risk was linked specifically to caffeinated beverages, with decaffeinated coffee showing no similar effect.
Participants who reported higher consumption of caffeinated coffee experienced fewer cases of dementia, showed fewer memory-related complaints and performed marginally better in cognitive tests. Tea drinkers also demonstrated comparable benefits, pointing towards caffeine as a possible key factor in supporting brain function.
However, researchers cautioned against excess intake. Drinking more than two to three cups a day did not appear to provide additional cognitive advantages, reinforcing that moderation remains crucial.
Several social media users echoed this sentiment, emphasising that coffee should be viewed as a supportive habit rather than a cure-all. One user remarked that maintaining brain health depends primarily on regular exercise, quality sleep, balanced nutrition, social interaction and mental stimulation, with coffee serving only as a small added benefit.
Experts agree that while moderate caffeine consumption may contribute positively, it cannot offset unhealthy lifestyles marked by poor sleep, excessive junk food, inactivity or constant screen exposure. Coffee’s potential benefits make sense only when paired with overall healthy habits, rather than being treated as a substitute for them.