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Moderate coffee and tea consumption lowers dementia risk

Feb 9, 2026, 5:00 PM10
(Update: Feb 9, 2026, 5:00 PM)
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Moderate coffee and tea consumption lowers dementia risk

  • A study by Harvard University involved 131,000 health workers over 43 years to examine the relationship between tea and coffee consumption and dementia risk.
  • Results indicated that higher intake of caffeinated coffee and tea was linked to a significantly reduced risk of developing dementia.
  • Moderate consumption, around two to three cups of coffee or one to two cups of tea per day, was associated with the most favorable outcomes regarding cognitive health.
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In a comprehensive study conducted by experts at Harvard University, researchers analyzed health data from 131,000 health workers in the United States over a period averaging 43 years. The focus of the research was to evaluate the correlation between tea and coffee consumption and the risk of developing dementia. Throughout the study, researchers identified 11,033 cases of dementia among participants, allowing for statistical analysis of the effects of these beverages on cognitive health. The findings indicated that individuals who consumed higher amounts of caffeinated coffee experienced a significant 18% reduction in dementia risk compared to those who drank the least. Similarly, those who drank the most tea demonstrated a 16% lower risk for developing dementia. Moreover, it was observed that participants with the highest intake of both tea and coffee exhibited a slower rate of cognitive decline than those with lower consumption levels. This suggests potential cognitive protective benefits associated with these beverages. Additionally, the study's results highlighted that higher caffeinated coffee consumption was linked to better cognitive performance among the nurses involved. While caffeine, primarily from coffee and tea, appeared to promote enhanced cognitive functioning, the researchers noted that drinking decaffeinated coffee did not yield any significant cognitive benefits. The most notable associations were observed among individuals who consumed a moderate amount of tea or coffee. It was estimated that intake levels of approximately two to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day, along with one to two cups of tea daily, were linked with the lowest risk of dementia compared to non-drinkers. Though the study indicates a strong association, the authors cautioned about limitations inherent in observational research, such as potential self-reported inaccuracies among participants and the inability to confirm causation definitively.

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