Three cups of coffee a day linked to brain decline that many people experience in old age – but tea may help PREVENT it

Too much coffee can speed up the cognitive decline that many people experience in old age – while tea may help prevent it, a study suggests.

Researchers examining data from thousands of Britons found those who drank more than three cups of coffee a day were, years later, more likely to have issues with their memory, reasoning and decision-making skills.

Those who either did not drink coffee or drank fewer than three cups daily were found to have a slower cognitive decline.

Some studies have previously suggested that caffeine has a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of stroke, heart failure, cancers and diabetes.

However, researchers from Murdoch University in Perth claim that their findings now suggest there is such a thing as too much coffee. 

Too much coffee can speed up the cognitive decline that many people experience in old age – while tea may help prevent it, a study suggests

Researchers examining data from thousands of Britons found those who drank more than three cups of coffee a day were, years later, more likely to have issues with their memory, reasoning and decision-making skills

Researchers examining data from thousands of Britons found those who drank more than three cups of coffee a day were, years later, more likely to have issues with their memory, reasoning and decision-making skills

Some suggested the effect may be due to a loss of sleep triggered by consuming excessive amount of caffeine.

The study, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, examined adults with healthy mental function older than 60 – logging their tea and coffee consumption and mapping any mental decline in the ten years proceeding.

More than half of respondents said they drank between one and three cups of coffee a day, with a quarter not drinking any and just 18 per cent drinking four or more cups.

As for daily tea consumption, just 15 per cent said they never drink it, 38 per cent had one to three cups and 47 per cent admitted to drinking four or more cups.

While those who drank more than three cups of coffee a day had an increased rate of cognitive decline, this does not mean they developed dementia, but were more likely to struggle to think, learn or remember things.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain.

There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.

Some people may have a combination of types of dementia.

Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way.

Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?

The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are more than 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, of which about two out of three have Alzheimer’s disease.

The number of people in the UK with dementia is projected to rise to 1.6 million people by 2040. 

In the US, it’s estimated there are 5.5 million Alzheimer’s sufferers. A similar percentage rise is expected in the coming years.

As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia.

Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed.

IS THERE A CURE?

Currently there is no cure for dementia.

But new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are.

Source: Dementia UK 

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