Reduce dementia risk with coffee and tea? Research shows that green tea has significant effects, and moderate caffeine also has benefits.
- byVic

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Coffee and tea are popular beverages worldwide, and their effects on cognitive function have drawn attention. Neurologist謝珮甄 (Xie Pei-zhen) pointed out that drinking 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily can reduce the risk of cognitive decline, while consuming 100 to 400 milligrams of caffeine each day is most effective in reducing the risk of dementia. Research shows that moderate intake of coffee and tea can help delay the progression of cognitive impairment, with green tea showing particularly significant effects. Additionally, excessive consumption may have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system, so it should be consumed with caution.
Coffee and tea are globally popular beverages, and their impact on cognitive function has garnered significant attention. Research shows that consuming 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and daily intake of 100 to 400 milligrams of caffeine can effectively lower the risk of dementia.
Since the 1990s, the medical community has begun studying the effects of coffee and tea on cognitive function. According to a systematic review in 2020, moderate consumption of coffee and tea helps to reduce the risk of dementia. For populations already experiencing cognitive impairment, particularly those with mild cognitive impairment or diagnosed dementia, caffeine can yield a certain degree of improvement. For example, patients with mild cognitive impairment who have higher plasma caffeine levels have a significantly lower risk of progressing to dementia, and short-term intake of green tea is also related to improvements in the cognitive function of mild cognitive impairment patients.
In terms of tea consumption, green tea shows higher benefits. Studies indicate that consuming 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily can effectively lower the risk of cognitive decline. As for black tea and oolong tea, their protective effects are relatively weaker, and most studies have failed to show significant positive impacts. Overall, consuming 2 to 4 cups of tea daily is considered an ideal range.
Regarding caffeine intake, research indicates that daily consumption of 100 to 400 milligrams of caffeine is most significant for reducing dementia risk. In contrast, low doses (less than 100 milligrams) and high doses (over 400 milligrams) of caffeine typically do not exhibit significant protective effects. For instance, a medium Americano from a convenience store contains about 200 milligrams of caffeine.
According to a study in 2024, consuming 2.5 cups of coffee daily can minimize the risk of Alzheimer's disease, while drinking one cup of tea daily can reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction by 11%. Although coffee and tea have potential benefits for cognitive function, it is essential to consume them cautiously, especially for patients with gastrointestinal discomfort or peptic ulcers, as excessive consumption may lead to adverse reactions.