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It wouldn’t be incorrect to claim that dementia is a significant health issue as we age. With people living longer, individuals in their 40s, 50s, and older are becoming more concerned about brain wellness. The main question is straightforward: can simple daily actions reduce the chances of getting it? We frequently hear talks about vitamins, brain games, and certain healthy foods. But what if something you already have at home could help? And what if a specific kind of mental exercise could be beneficial too? This is what Dr. Austin Perlmutter talked about on his Instagram. In a video, he mentioned a drink associated with an 18% lower risk of dementia. Dr. Perlmutter opened his video by referencing a large study that looked at over 131,000 individuals who were observed for as long as 43 years. Researchers at MIT and Harvard examined how much coffee and tea the participants consumed and tracked how many developed dementia.
The main discovery? People who had two to three cups of caffeinated coffee each day experienced the most significant brain health benefits. "They found that those who drank more caffeinated coffee had an 18% lower chance of getting dementia," he remarked. Interestingly, those who drank tea also enjoyed some benefits. Participants having approximately one to two cups of tea daily faced a lower risk too. However, there was a twist: "They did not observe any benefits for individuals who were drinking decaffeinated coffee,” Dr. Perlmutter pointed out. Coffee is rich in several compounds, including polyphenol antioxidants, which are known to have health benefits. Yet, caffeine seems to have a special role. Caffeine interacts with adenosine receptors in the brain - this is the same process that helps you feel awake after having coffee. But it does more than just that. "We understand that caffeine can influence neurotransmitters, such as dopamine," the expert mentioned. While scientists are still exploring exactly how caffeine might help long-term brain health, the fact that only caffeinated coffee showed positive effects is noteworthy.
Nonetheless, Dr. Perlmutter gave a word of caution. This doesn’t mean that everyone should rush to drink coffee. Some individuals are sensitive to caffeine, and for others, it might worsen their sleep or anxiety. "The key takeaway," he stated, "is that drinking coffee, and to a lesser extent tea, was associated with improved cognitive function in relation to dementia rates. " It’s also crucial to keep in mind that this was an observational study. This indicates it shows a connection, rather than a clear cause-and-effect link. Still, the long observation period makes the results significant. If you already love coffee, this might give you another reason to appreciate your routine.
We have known for a long time that keeping our minds busy is good for us. Activities like reading, learning new things, solving puzzles, and being socially active often lead to improved thinking skills. However, as Dr. Perlmutter mentioned, we haven’t had much long-term information showing how a planned brain program works over 20 years. “This is some of the first information to indicate that speed training might be particularly crucial,” he shared. Still, he reminded everyone that further studies are essential. We need to understand how these findings apply to various groups of people. The main point is clear. “Engaging in brain exercises consistently throughout our lives could be a vital method to safeguard our minds as we age,” he stated. Maintaining brain health isn't about a single magical drink or one specific puzzle app. It's about ongoing habits. According to these studies, what you drink and how you work out your brain today may affect your mental health many years later.
