Drinking tea and coffee could reduce cognitive decline claims study

The research by University of California looked at the impact of coffee and tea drinking on the cognitive decline of 4,800 people aged over 65 over 14 years.

It found people who drank tea regularly recorded 17-37 per cent less cognitive decline than non-tea drinkers. Drinking coffee more than five times a week reduced cognitive decline by around 20 per cent.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'In recent years a number of studies have emerged suggesting a good cuppa could be much more than the obvious accompaniment for a biscuit. This latest research adds weight to previous research that indicates caffeine could significantly reduce cognitive decline. However we are still a long way from being able to say for sure that a regular brew will reduce your risk of developing dementia.'

 

'We now need to understand the biology of these findings and whether they could be important for the prevention or treatment of dementia.  Dementia research is desperately underfunded. If we are to establish the causes or find a cure of this devastating disease we must invest more now.'

 

Professor Clive Ballard

Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

- Ends -

Study Reference: 'Tea, coffee and cognitive decline in the elderly: The Cardiovascular Health Study' by Lenore Arab et al

Notes to editors:

• For spokespeople and case studies contact the Alzheimer's Society press office on 0207 423 3595.
• ICAD is the world's leading forum on dementia research. Run by Alzheimer's Association, it will this year be taking place in Hawaii from Sunday 11 July to Thursday 15 July.
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk