Alzheimer’s Society comment on new research suggesting caffeine may help reduce Alzheimer’s disease

It sheds important light on why previous research has shown drinking coffee may reducing the risk of dementia.

In addition to its effect on the vascular system, elevated cholesterol levels also cause problems with the blood brain barrier. This barrier, which protects the brain from toxins and infections, is less efficient prior to brain damage caused by Alzheimer's disease or strokes.

This research in animals shows that caffeine can help keep the blood brain barrier in good order, even with a diet rich in cholesterol.  More research is now needed to determine whether drinking coffee has the same impact on the blood brain barrier in people and can help protect people against dementia.

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of research

Reference

Caffeine blocks disruption of blood brain barrier in a rabbit model of Alzheimer's disease (Xuesong Chen, Jeremy W. Gawryluk, John F. Wagener, Othman Ghribi, Jonathan D. Geiger). Published in Biomedical Central

Notes to editor:

• Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.

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