Coffee and Dementia Risk: New Study Explores the Link

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Moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee or tea may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia and slower cognitive decline, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

The World Health Organization reports that approximately 57 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2021, while the exact cause of the disease remains only partially understood.

While the JAMA study highlights the potential role of caffeine, experts emphasize that coffee or tea is not a magic bullet. The risk of dementia is influenced by multiple factors, and prevention requires an integrated approach that includes good sleep, heart health, physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation, according to Medical News Today.

Previous studies have also suggested a link between coffee and cognitive function. Research published in 2024 and 2025 indicated that moderate coffee or tea consumption was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive disorders and improved mental performance in older adults.

Researchers believe that caffeine may affect the brain by improving alertness, reducing inflammation, and potentially supporting blood vessel health, all factors associated with long-term brain health.

Some experts have called for randomized clinical trials to more clearly establish a causal relationship, as most available studies are observational, showing an association but not necessarily proving a direct cause-and-effect link.

For those who do not tolerate caffeine, nutritionists recommend following a brain-healthy diet that includes foods rich in flavonoids such as berries, leafy green vegetables, and nuts; drinking caffeine-free herbal teas rich in antioxidants; obtaining omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish or algae; and following a Mediterranean-style diet.

Numerous studies suggest that balanced, plant-based diets rich in whole foods are associated with lower rates of cognitive decline.

Experts stress that maintaining brain health does not depend on a single nutrient but on an integrated lifestyle practiced over many years, considering healthy nutrition as one of the most accessible and readily available tools for enhancing cognitive function.