Posts from — January 2009

Many of us already think we’ll lose our minds if we don’t have that first cup of coffee in the morning, but scientists are discovering a link between coffee consumption and a lower risk of dementia in later life.

This is a preliminary result of a 21-year study conducted by Danish and Swedish researchers who monitored the health habits of about 1400 middle-aged men and women.  While there’s no definite evidence yet of a hard link, observations are showing a 65% reduction in the likelihood of developing of dementia or Alzheimer’s among the study group.

From the New York Times article:

Dr. Kivipelto and her colleagues suggest several possibilities for why coffee might reduce the risk of dementia later in life. First, earlier studies have linked coffee consumption with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, which in turn has been associated with a greater risk of dementia. In animal studies, caffeine has been shown to reduce the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, coffee may have an antioxidant effect in the bloodstream, reducing vascular risk factors for dementia.Dr. Kivipelto noted that previous studies have shown that coffee drinking may also be linked to a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease.

There’s no indication that coffee will have a protective effect for those already developing dementia, but in the meantime, it’s always good to have an excuse to make another pot.