Studies highlight positive effects of caffeine on brain health

May 18, 2010


A study in the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease" has found that not only does caffeine keep us alert, but it could help slow down the progression of Alzheimer's, dementia and Parkinson's diseases. Similiar findings have been found in over 22 studies.

Gary Arendash, a researcher at the Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, part of Florida State University, says: "I drink five to six cups a day religiously" and is convinced that caffeine is protecting his brain. Arendash and his colleagues have been doing studies on mice and have found that adding caffeine to the mice's diets improves their short-term memory and thinking tests, but only if they get enough. The human equivalent to two or three cups isn't enough to help Alzheimer.

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New Report Warns of Energy Drink Health Risks for Children

Caffeine May Slow Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, Restore Cognitive Function, According to New Evidence< (Science Daily)

Nervous About Alzheimer's? Coffee May Help (NPR)

Daily caffeine 'protects brain' (BBC)