It’s a favorite first-order for the day, but while a quick coffee may perk
us up, new research from the University of South Australia shows that too
much could be dragging us down, especially when it comes to brain health.
In the largest study of its kind, researchers have found that high coffee
consumption is associated with smaller total brain volumes and an increased
risk of dementia.
Conducted at UniSA’s Australian Centre for Precision Health at SAHMRI and a
team of international researchers, the study assessed the effects of coffee
on the brain among 17,702 UK Biobank participants (aged 37-73), finding that
those who drank more than six cups of coffee a day had a 53 percent
increased risk of dementia.
Lead researcher and UniSA PhD candidate, Kitty Pham, says the research
delivers important insights for public health.
“Coffee is among the most popular drinks in the world. Yet with global
consumption being more than nine billion kilograms a year, it’s critical
that we understand any potential health implications,” Pham says.
“This is the most extensive investigation into the connections between
coffee, brain volume measurements, the risks of dementia, and the risks of
stroke — it’s also the largest study to consider volumetric brain imaging
data and a wide range of confounding factors.
“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,
behavior, 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 randomized 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.
“Typical daily coffee consumption is somewhere between one and two standard
cups of coffee. Of course, while unit measures can vary, a couple of cups of
coffee a day is generally fine.
“However, if you’re finding that your coffee consumption is heading up
toward more than six cups a day, it’s about time you rethink your next
drink.”
Reference:
High coffee consumption, brain volume and risk of dementia and stroke by
Kitty Pham, Anwar Mulugeta, Ang Zhou, John T. O’Brien, David J. Llewellyn
and Elina Hyppönen, 24 June 2021, Nutritional Neuroscience.
Tags:
Biology & Health