Drinking Coffee or Tea in Moderation May Protect Brain Health, Study Finds
Study finds moderate coffee and tea intake linked to lower dementia risk and better cognitive health over time.
A new study led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Mass General Brigham, and the Broad Institute suggests that moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee or tea may help reduce the risk of dementia and support better cognitive health. Published in the JAMA, the research adds to growing evidence that everyday dietary habits can play a role in long-term brain health, although experts caution that the benefits are modest and should be viewed as part of a broader healthy lifestyle.
The study analysed data from two long-running cohorts—the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study—covering 131,821 participants tracked for up to 43 years, with a median follow-up of nearly 37 years. During this period, 11,033 participants developed dementia. Researchers assessed participants’ intake of caffeinated coffee, tea, and decaffeinated coffee through repeated dietary questionnaires while accounting for variables such as age, smoking habits, physical activity, and genetic predisposition.
Findings from the study showed that higher consumption of caffeinated coffee was associated with an 18 per cent lower risk of developing dementia. Participants who regularly consumed coffee or tea also reported lower levels of subjective cognitive decline and performed better on objective cognitive tests, including the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. In contrast, decaffeinated coffee did not demonstrate similar protective effects and, in some cases, was linked to higher levels of perceived cognitive decline, suggesting caffeine may play a key role in the observed benefits.
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Lead researcher Daniel Wang noted that while the findings are encouraging, the effect size remains relatively small and should not be seen as a standalone solution for preventing cognitive decline. Another author, Yu Zhang, added that the benefits of caffeine appeared consistent across individuals with varying genetic risks of dementia, indicating its potential as a broadly applicable dietary factor.
The results may hold particular relevance for countries like India, where tea and coffee are integral to daily routines. With dementia cases expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, especially among ageing populations and urban communities facing high stress and sedentary lifestyles, moderate consumption of caffeinated beverages could offer a simple, accessible addition to preventive strategies. However, experts emphasise that such habits should be complemented with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet rich in antioxidants to effectively support long-term brain health.
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