health
February 9, 2026
A couple of teas or coffees a day could lower risk of dementia, scientists say
Findings suggest smaller cognitive decline, but US study cannot prove daily caffeine hit is good for the brain
TL;DR
- Routine consumption of two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea daily is linked to a 15-20% lower risk of dementia.
- Caffeinated coffee drinkers reported marginally less cognitive decline and performed better on cognitive tests compared to decaf drinkers.
- The benefits appeared to plateau at two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea.
- No link was found between decaffeinated coffee and dementia risk.
- Potential protective mechanisms include caffeine and polyphenols improving vascular health, reducing inflammation, and oxidative stress.
- Caffeine is also linked to lower rates of type 2 diabetes, a known dementia risk factor.
- The study cannot prove causality, and further research, like impractical long-term randomized trials, is needed.
- Researchers emphasize that coffee and tea should not be seen as a "magic shield" and a healthy lifestyle remains crucial for brain health.
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