Can Coffee Protect Against Alzheimer’s?

Recent studies have shown that caffeine may protect against cognitive disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, due to its stimulating effects on the central nervous system. Here, the home care providers at Avila Home Care detail why including a cup of coffee in your daily routine may do more than just help you wake up in the morning.

 Research Shows Positive Benefits of Coffee Combats Alzheimer’s Disease

 While most Americans enjoy a cup of coffee or two when they wake up, this morning staple may prove to be more beneficial than merely helping us overcome our morning grogginess—consumption of caffeine found in coffee may work as a preventative measure against Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions. Epidemiological studies published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) focused on the long-term effects of caffeine as a preventative measure against cognitive decline and three out of five studies supported coffee’s positive impact on neurological function and protection. In a study from the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE), drinking three to five cups of coffee per day during mid-life was linked to a decreased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions by about 65% during late-life. Ultimately, these studies are just a few of many pointing to the positive role of caffeine in the prevention or delayment of cognitive decline.

Five Ways Coffee May Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

 Due to the promising results of several studies linking coffee to postponing or preventing Alzheimer’s disease, there has been an increase in research to discover why coffee has such positive effects on protecting the brain. Here are five main benefits of coffee in its role of preventing Alzheimer’s:

Coffee Improves Brain Function

The caffeine found in coffee is known to boost brain function, increase awareness and improve energy levels. Therefore, incorporating coffee into your daily routine can help strengthen your brain’s long-term functional capacity and protect against cognitive ailments such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Coffee Protects Against Type 2 Diabetes

Due to growing research linking similarities between diabetes and cognitive disease, as approximately 70% of type 2 diabetes patients develop Alzheimer’s later in life, some researchers have deemed Alzheimer’s disease “type 3 diabetes.” One study showed that drinking six cups of coffee a day was associated with a 33% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to no coffee consumption. Because Alzheimer’s may be triggered by insulin resistance in the brain in the same fashion as type 2 diabetes, consuming coffee may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Coffee Boosts Memory

Research performed at the University of California showed that adults who consumed a 200 mg caffeine tablet scored significantly higher on memory tests than those who did not consume a caffeine tablet. Therefore, consumption of caffeine in the form of coffee could help boost memory and protect against the memory-declining characteristics of Alzheimer’s.

Coffee is Anti-Inflammatory

Current research supports the anti-inflammatory properties of coffee, and one study showed that adults over age 65 who had higher levels of caffeine in their blood were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Regarding the study, Neuroscientist Chuanhai Cao said, “These intriguing results suggest that older adults with mild memory impairment who drink moderate levels of coffee—about three cups a day—will not convert to Alzheimer’s disease or at least will experience a substantial delay before converting to Alzheimer’s.”

Coffee Resists Key Alzheimer’s Protein

Buildup of tau protein, found in the central nervous system, is closely linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. However, one study found that, since coffee is an adenosine receptor antagonist, it helps block receptors to the brain that contributes to the buildup of tau protein.

 The Dedicated Home Care Providers at Avila Home Care Can Help You Age in Place

 Because cognitive ailments such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are serious public health concerns, it is imperative that experts continue to develop new methods of treatment and research potential preventative measures. While there is still much research to be performed, the findings connecting coffee consumption to delayed Alzheimer’s look promising. The home care providers at Avila Home Care are passionate about providing quality care for patients while they age in place and look to research such as this to stay informed about elder care issues. If you would like to speak to a dedicated home care provider at Avila Home Care, contact us today!

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