Dementia describes a destructive set of symptoms associated with brain decline. While some risk factors like age are non-negotiable, you’re not entirely at the mercy of the mind-robbing condition. With that in mind, a doctor shares that something as common as coffee could slash your risk.
Whether you start your day with a strong cup or whip up the black drink later in the day to beat the afternoon slump, coffee is one of the most popular beverages.
Characterised by its rich taste, a cup of coffee can offer more than an energy boost.
In fact, the hot drink could lower your risk of dementia by a whopping 65 percent, according to Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy.
The doctor explained that The Finnish CAIDE study (Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Ageing and Dementia) makes a strong case for adding the beverage to your daily menu.
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Initiated in 1998 to explore risk factors that could ward off dementia, the CAIDE study reported in 2010 that drinking two to three cups of coffee daily could protect your brain.
Dr Lee said: “The study investigators suggested this effect may be due to the fact caffeine is a potent antioxidant.
“Brain neurons are very vulnerable to oxidative stress which causes neuroinflammation.
“This process results in nerve cell damage, disrupted DNA repair mechanisms and self-destruction of mitochondria.
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“In Alzheimer’s disease, oxidative stress is thought to cause the deposition of the characteristic B amyloid and tau proteins.
“Studies in rodents have shown that caffeine prevents oxidative stress and lowers neuroinflammation.”
Looking at more than 2,000 participants between the ages of 65 and 71, the research team found that drinking coffee might be one common lifestyle habit that offers protective effects.
While caffeine was considered as the potent part during this research, Dr Lee explained there’s more to the black drink.
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She shared that from vitamin B3, created during the roasting process, to chlorogenic acids, coffee ingredients play various roles in brain health as well as the control of blood sugars.
While this research shows promising results, other studies suggest different outcomes.
The doctor said: “Before you rush to switch on the coffee machine, take note that the CAIDE study is observational, meaning it is reporting observations on a population and cannot prove causation.
“It’s important to point out that other studies have had conflicting results.”
What’s worse, there’s also research that suggests that having too much of the black drink could increase your risk of the mind-robbing condition instead.
A study, published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience, tied heavy coffee drinkers to a 53 percent higher risk of dementia.
However, this research doesn’t suggest that you should give up your daily cup altogether.
Dr Lee added: “If you want to drink coffee, do so in moderation, as excess caffeine has dangerous health consequences.
“The maximum safe daily intake of coffee is 400m.”
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