Further evidence has been found of the role of coffee in slowing cognitive decline, with a new study revealing drinking increased quantities can reduce a person’s chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
As part of the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Study of ageing, researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) investigated whether coffee intake affected the rate of cognitive decline of more than 200 Australians over a decade.
The results showed an association between coffee and several important markers related to Alzheimer’s, and build further on recent research which revealed the role of tea and coffee in reducing likelihood of stroke and dementia.
Lead investigator Dr Samantha Gardener said: “We found participants with no memory impairments and with higher coffee consumption at the start of the study had lower risk of transitioning to mild cognitive impairment – which often precedes Alzheimer’s disease – or developing Alzheimer’s disease over the course of the study.”
In the ECU study, it was found that drinking more coffee gave positive results in relation to certain domains of cognitive function, specifically executive function which includes planning, self-control, and attention.
Higher coffee intake also seemed to be linked to slowing the accumulation of the amyloid protein in the brain, a key factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr Gardener said although further research was needed, the study was encouraging as it indicated drinking coffee could be an easy way to help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
“It’s a simple thing that people can change,” she said.
“It could be particularly useful for people who are at risk of cognitive decline but haven’t developed any symptoms.
“We might be able to develop some clear guidelines people can follow in middle age and hopefully it could then have a lasting effect.”
The study suggested that more than one cup would have a more beneficial effect, although a maximum number could not be established from the current research.
“If the average cup of coffee made at home is 240g, increasing to two cups a day could potentially lower cognitive decline by eight per cent after 18 months,” Dr Gardener said.
“It could also see a five per cent decrease in amyloid accumulation in the brain over the same time period.”
The study was unable to differentiate between caffeinated and de-caffeinated coffee, nor the benefits or consequences of how it was prepared (brewing method, the presence of milk and/or sugar, etc).
Dr Gardener said the relationship between coffee and brain function was worth pursuing.
“We need to evaluate whether coffee intake could one day be recommended as a lifestyle factor aimed at delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease,” she said.
