Study claims caffeine could reduce risk of developing Alzheimer's
Published 18 May 2010
Research has suggested caffeine could protect against memory impairment and lower brain levels of protein (amyloid β) thought to be linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Research has suggested caffeine could protect against memory impairment and lower brain levels of protein (amyloid β) thought to be linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
The study published in the May edition of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found caffeine had this effect in younger mice that had been genetically altered to mimic Alzheimer's disease (AD mice). Additionally researchers found caffeine reduced memory loss in aged AD mice.
Alzheimer's Society comment,Dr Susanne Sorensen'For years we have treated coffee as nothing more than a pleasant pick-me-up. However, emerging evidence suggests that caffeine might have much wider ranging effects. Most recently it has been tipped as a possible way of delaying and even preventing Alzheimer's disease.
This paper sets out some possibilities of the benefits of coffee but further research is now needed. We need more funding into dementia research to fight this devastating condition.'
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Research paper reference: 'Caffeine and Coffee as Therapeutics Against Alzheimer's Disease' by Gary W Arendasha and Chuanhai Caob in Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 20 (2010.
