Caffeinated coffee and tea linked to lower dementia risk

A new study led by Zhang and colleagues suggests that regular, moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee or tea may be linked to a lower risk of developing dementia and better cognitive aging.

While caffeine is known to improve alertness by blocking adenosine receptors, its long-term impact on brain health has been a subject of debate. Previous observational studies have yielded conflicting results, with some suggesting benefits and others finding little evidence of impact or potential adverse effects from high intake. Challenges in previous research included short follow-up periods, failure to distinguish between caffeinated and decaffeinated options, and the possibility of reverse causation.