Is coffee a cure-all for chronic disease? Previous studies have tied drinking coffee to protective benefits against Parkinson’s disease, stroke, diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
Now, new research shows drinking about three cups of coffee each day might stave off Alzheimer’s for older adults experiencing memory declines.
The study of 124 older adults with mild cognitive impairment ages 65 to 88 found that caffeine and coffee intake was associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia or a delayed onset of the disease.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) occurs in older people in which they display early signs of dementia such as memory loss that’s beyond normal amounts expected in aging but can still perform daily activities, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition often progresses into Alzheimer’s within a few years.
The research suggested that older adults with mild memory impairment who drink moderate levels of coffee - about 3 cups a day - will not convert to Alzheimer’s disease or at least will experience a substantial delay before converting to Alzheimer’s.
Moderate coffee consumption will not completely protect people from Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is believed that moderate coffee consumption can appreciably reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s or delay its onset.
