With 50 million people worldwide living with dementia, it’s important to do all we can to reduce our risk for the neurodegenerative disorder. From what we eat, to what we drink as well as how often we exercise, our lifestyle habits can increase our risk for developing dementia.
That said, a new study has suggested that caffeine lovers may have a heightened risk of developing the disease. Now, while many people enjoy starting off their day with a sip of coffee, drinking too much of it may lead to dementia.
Can Coffee Cause Dementia?
A study published in Nutritional Neuroscience set out to find the link between the regular consumption of coffee and the differences in brain volume, and whether this increased one’s risk for developing the risk of dementia or stroke.
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For the study, the researchers first looked at the data of 398 646 people aged between 37 and 73. This information came from the research database UK Biobank. To better find the link between coffee consumption and brain volume, the researchers compared brain imaging against the number of coffee participants drinking daily. This part of the study forced the researcher to look at 17 702 people out of the 398 646.
What did the study find?
The observational study found that drinking more than six cups of coffee per day was associated with a 53% increased risk of dementia and a smaller brain volume.
So, is coffee bad?
Not necessarily, as this study is an observational study. Additionally, the study authors did concede that while these factors are correlated, this doesn’t necessarily mean that coffee can lead to brain shrinkage and dementia.
What’s more, the same study also found that enjoying about one to two cups of coffee a day can help to seemingly reduce the risk for dementia. Additionally, a previous study found that drinking two cups of coffee can help to encourage longevity by increasing life expectancy by two years.
So how much is too much?
Study co-author Elina Hypponen told TODAY that the study didn’t provide enough data for them to quantify exactly how much is too much. That said, they do suggest your keeping caffeine intake to 2 cups a day. Hypponen also suggests drinking water.
How to stay alert throughout the day
There are other ways to keep your energy levels up during the day, without reaching out for another cup of coffee. These include:
- Play your favourite songs
- Go for a walk around your office building
- Standing up and stretching
- Make sure to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night
- Stay hydrated(with water!)
Want to know more?
Are you a morning person? By improving your morning routine, you can set yourself up for a whole day of positivity and productivity so here are the best ways to boost your morning routines.
