Coffee Drinking Linked to Reduced Dementia

A new study suggests that lifelong coffee drinkers may have a reduced risk of developing late-in-life dementia. Scientists followed a large group of middle-aged men and women for an average of 21 years, and found that people who reported drinking 3 to 5 cups a day were 65% less likely to have developed dementia, compared to people who regularly drank 2 cups or less per day.

Why would drinking coffee reduce the risk of dementia? Previous studies have linked its consumption with a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for dementia. In addition, studies in animals have demonstrated that coffee reduces the formation of amyloid plaque in the brain. As a bonus, it may have an antioxidant effect in the bloodstream, reducing risk factors for dementia also.

So enjoy your coffee! It might just help to keep your brain functioning longer.