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Three Cups of Coffee a Day Could Keep Alzheimer’s Away

A case-control study has revealed the first direct evidence that caffeine/coffee intake is related to a lower risk or delayed onset of Alzheimer's, especially among the people who already have mild cognitive impairment. 

Article written by guest writer Rin Mitchell

What’s the Latest Development?

Based on a study conducted, drinking three cups of coffee a day can help stave off Alzheimer’s. According to researchers, people who had obtained mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or loss of memory and consumed caffeine had a lot lower chances of the condition turning into dementia. Scientists monitored a group of people between the ages of 65 and 88 years. They were tested for the levels of caffeine in their blood, and their cognitive ability over a two to four year period. The results indicated that the people who did not develop Alzheimer’s had more caffeine in their blood than the people who went on to develop the disease. Since coffee is the most consumed source of caffeine, researchers believe a few cups of coffee a day can be healthy for the brain. However, there needs to be more intensive research to see the effect of caffeine in this area over a longer period of time. 

What’s the Big Idea?

The benefits of coffee could help people maintain good mental health for longer. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, “between 10-15 percent of people with MCI go on to develop dementia.” Studies have found a relationship between caffeine and cognitive abilities. Several cups of coffee contain 1200 ng/ml, and blood samples showed the people with MCI who later developed did not have this level of caffeine. Although this evidence indicates a positive for coffee consumption, researchers at the Alzheimer’s Society say they are still not sure if there is a guarantee that it will prevent Alzheimer’s.  




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