Daily Caffè Benefits Brain Health

The Italians do food and drink as well as anyone on the planet and a new study out of Bari, Italy provides evidence of yet another health benefit from our daily espresso, cappuccino or latte.  The research found links between daily coffee consumption and brain health in seniors.

According to a July 31 report from CBS News’ Healthday, a study of 1,400 Italian seniors who drank between one and two coffees per day found that a consistent habit may reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.

Researchers suggest that moderate caffeine consumption may minimize the damage caused by a build-up in the brain of sticky amyloid proteins associated with dementia.  The study, led by Dr. Vincenzo Solfrizzi at the University of Bari Aldo, was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.  It found that participants between the ages of 65 and 85 who consistently drank moderate amounts of coffee had a lower rate of cognitive impairment compared with those who did not partake.

Those who regularly drank more than one to two cups of coffee per day did not have the same significant association with lower rates of MCI (mild cognitive impairment) as those who kept to the moderate consumption.  Caffeine is linked to improved memory and focus however, the study reports that high doses of caffeine “may impair memory acquisition”.  As with most good things, moderation is the key.

To read the full report visit: http://www.j-alz.com/content/coffee-consumption-habits-impact-risk-mild-cognitive-impairment-italian-longitudinal-study .