Your morning coffee or tea may be doing more than just waking you up. New research shows that moderate caffeine intake could protect the brain and reduce the risk of dementia. A major study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and funded by the National Institutes of Health followed participants for up to 43 years, revealing that two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of tea daily were associated with a 15–20% lower risk of developing dementia.
The protective effect remained even among individuals genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline, highlighting caffeine’s potential role in brain health. In contrast, decaffeinated coffee, which contains only a minimal amount of caffeine, did not show the same benefits.
Experts believe bioactive compounds in coffee and tea, including caffeine and polyphenols, help reduce inflammation and cellular damage, key processes linked to cognitive decline. Participants who regularly consumed caffeinated beverages also performed better on cognitive tests over the long-term study period.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence that moderate coffee or tea consumption can support overall health, including improved liver function, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, certain cancers, and potentially a longer lifespan. For coffee and tea lovers, this means your daily cup could be more than a simple pick-me-up—it may also help safeguard your brain for decades to come.
