A recent American study reveals that drinking tea and coffee helps maintain brain function and lowers the risk of dementia. Researchers from Harvard University found that individuals who consumed high amounts of caffeine were 18% less likely to develop dementia compared to those who consumed less. Similarly, people who drank more tea showed a 16% lower risk of dementia. The study, which analyzed data from 131,000 participants over 43 years and was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, indicated that participants who consumed large quantities of tea and coffee experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline than those who drank less. However, the researchers cautioned that decaffeinated coffee showed no effect on reducing dementia risk or improving mental performance. Scientists suggested that biologically active compounds in coffee and tea, such as caffeine and polyphenols, may reduce inflammation and neuronal damage, thereby protecting against cognitive decline. The study's lead author, Daniel Wang from Harvard Medical School, noted: "We observed the most positive associations at moderate consumption levels, with the strongest links seen at about two to three cups of caffeinated coffee and one to two cups of tea per day." The study does not prove that caffeine protects the brain. The researchers concluded that caffeine's effect on the brain is minimal and pointed to better ways to preserve mental function with age.
