Coffee & Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder in which the disease destroys brain cells, causing memory loss and disruption in thinking and concentration. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's. Coffee however, may help treat memory loss, a major symptom of Alzheimer's.

Significance

• Caffeine in coffee helps decrease inflammation in the brain, which reduces the levels of a protein seen in patients with Alzheimer's. The protein buildup is a key factor in memory loss. Coffee also contains antioxidants that can help ward off Alzheimer's. When the proteins accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, a toxic plaque forms, causing nerve cell damage. While the cause of the plaque formation is unknown, antioxidants bind and destroy free radicals to combat the plaque.

Size

• While studies have been conducted only on mice, the equivalent caffeine consumption needed for humans would be about 5 medium cups of coffee, or 2 1/2 Starbucks' grande size coffees, per day to have a positive effect on memory and thinking.

Effects

• You could see improvement in your memory and thinking in as little as two months, but it has not been determined whether the results are permanent.

Expert Insight

• A study showed that people who drank coffee at midlife (ages 35 to 40) had a lower risk for Alzheimer's disease later in life than people who drank little or no coffee at those ages. Moderate coffee drinkers (3 to 4 cups a day) showed a 64 percent less chance of Alzheimer's compared to those who drink 1 to 2 cups a day.

Warning

• Caffeine is a stimulant that increases heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, palpitation and dehydration. People with irregular heart beats, hypertension or women who are pregnant should consume caffeine in moderation or not at all. Consult your health adviser to see if caffeine is appropriate for you.