Caffeinated Drinks and Dementia Risk: What a New Study Reveals

A recent long-term study suggests that individuals who consume caffeinated coffee and tea may have a reduced risk of developing dementia, though it’s important to note that the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor at CBS News and public health editor at KFF Health News, urged caution regarding these findings, saying they should be viewed “with a massive grain of salt.”

Published in the journal JAMA, the research examined data from 131,821 people involved in two studies conducted between 1986 and 2023. Within that group, 11,033 participants were diagnosed with dementia during the study period.

The researchers looked at self-reported consumption of coffee, caffeinated tea, and decaffeinated coffee, tracking the participants’ cognitive health over the years. They found that those who drank the most caffeinated coffee had an 18% lower risk of dementia compared to those who consumed little to none. Additionally, the study indicated that these coffee drinkers exhibited less cognitive decline overall.

The most notable benefits were seen in individuals who consumed two to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day, or one to two cups of caffeinated tea.

“Higher caffeinated coffee intake was significantly linked to a lower risk of dementia,” the authors stated, adding that decaffeinated coffee didn’t show a similar association.

However, Gounder noted that the study only revealed a modest risk reduction. She emphasized that the data points to a correlation rather than causation, which means that other factors might also play a role. The authors acknowledged the need for further research to corroborate their findings.

Gounder expressed her frustration, explaining on “CBS Mornings” that studies like this often give people a reason to continue behaviors they enjoy—like drinking coffee, red wine, or eating chocolate—despite the potential serious health implications.

She also pointed out that other underlying factors could influence dementia risk, not merely coffee consumption. For instance, individuals with high blood pressure—an acknowledged risk factor for dementia—might avoid caffeinated drinks for health reasons. The researchers initially excluded participants with significant chronic diseases to account for such variables.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that over 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia.

Gounder advised against changing one’s diet solely based on this study’s findings. Instead, she highlighted practical steps to help reduce dementia risk, such as exercising, improving diet, and addressing weight issues. She also mentioned that hearing loss can be an important warning sign for dementia risk.

The published research included 43 years of follow-up data with ongoing dietary assessments and evaluations of cognitive health. The study was conducted by researchers from Mass General Brigham, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.