Research from the University of South Australia has revealed that excessive coffee consumption may have a negative impact on brain health.
In one of the largest studies of its kind, 17,702 participants between the ages of 37 to 73 reported their coffee consumption. Researchers learned that those who consumed more than six cups of coffee daily had a potential 53% increase risk of getting dementia.
Lead researcher Kitty Pham, emphasized the significance of understanding the potential health implications of coffee consumption, considering it is one of the most popular beverages globally.
Read more about the study below:
“‘Accounting for all possible permutations, we consistently found that higher coffee consumption was significantly associated with reduced brain volume — essentially, drinking more than six cups of coffee a day may be putting you at risk of brain diseases such as dementia and stroke.’
Dementia is a degenerative brain condition that affects memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. About 50 million people are diagnosed with the syndrome worldwide. In Australia, dementia is the second leading cause of death, with an estimated 250 people diagnosed each day.
Stroke is a condition where the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, resulting in oxygen starvation, brain damage and loss of function. Globally, one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. Data suggests that 13.7 million people will have a stroke this year with 5.5 million dying as a result.
Senior investigator and Director of UniSA’s Australian Centre for Precision Health, Professor Elina Hyppönen, says while the news may be a bitter brew for coffee lovers, it’s all about finding a balance between what you drink and what’s good for your health.
‘This research provides vital insights about heavy coffee consumption and brain health, but as with many things in life, moderation is the key,’ Prof Hyppönen says.
‘Together with other genetic evidence and a randomised controlled trial, these data strongly suggest that high coffee consumption can adversely affect brain health. While the exact mechanisms are not known, one simple thing we can do is to keep hydrated and remember to drink a bit of water alongside that cup of coffee.
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