Regular Coffee Intake May Protect Against Cognitive Decline

• Moderate coffee consumption (3-5 cups per day) has been linked to a reduction in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

• The beneficial aspects of coffee include caffeine, polyphenols, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

• Men may benefit more in regards to Parkinson's disease because postmenopausal estrogen supplementation may compete with the caffeine.

This article was published on EurekAlert.org.

A new report from the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) highlights the potential role of coffee consumption in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

For the first time in history most people can expect to live into their 60s and beyond, however with increasing age, the risk of disease and disabilities rises. The number affected with Alzheimer's disease is estimated to increase globally from today's 47 million to 75 million 2030 and to 132 million in 2050.

Parkinson's disease, the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder, affects 7 million people globally. Research has suggested that lifestyle may be an important part of the risk for neurodegenerative conditions for which there is currently no curative treatment.

The new report, authored by Associate Professor Elisabet Rothenberg, Kristianstad University, discusses the role of dietary components, including coffee and caffeine, in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.

The report considers the mechanisms involved in the positive associations between coffee and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases which are not yet well understood. The role of caffeine and other plant-based compounds present in coffee such as phytochemicals and polyphenols are of particular academic interest.

Key research findings highlighted in the report include:

• Dietary pattern may have an impact on the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders
• Coffee consumption may help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative conditions or relieve symptoms
• Considering PD, men might benefit more from coffee consumption than women possibly because oestrogen may compete with caffeine
• Further research is required for better understanding of the associations

This report was published in Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) in December 2019.