Caffeine May Protect Brain, Study Says

A new study, published in JAMA and funded by the United States — National Institutes of Health, suggests that daily consumption of caffeinated coffee or tea may slightly help preserve brain power and prevent dementia. Researchers, including Daniel Wang of Harvard Medical School and Zhang Rui of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, found that individuals with higher caffeinated coffee intake had an 18% lower risk of developing dementia and fewer self-perceived memory problems. While encouraging, the study emphasizes that caffeine's effect is small and further research is needed to validate the mechanisms. Other lifestyle factors like exercise, healthy diet, and adequate sleep are also linked to lower dementia risks.