Morning tea or coffee could slash risk of Alzheimer's disease
The drink you consume every day could be giving you more benefits than you think. New research has linked moderate consumption of two drinks with slower declines in reasoning and memory among seniors.
Published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, researchers explored the link between tea and coffee consumption and long-term cognitive changes in older adults. The findings suggest that moderate coffee intake, along with moderate to high tea consumption, could be linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline.
It also reveals that drinking these beverages may help safeguard against particular types of cognitive decline in older adults, particularly in areas like reasoning and problem-solving. In contrast, consuming four or more cups of coffee daily was linked to a quicker decline.
In fact, "one study found that consuming up to 2.5 cups of coffee per day was linked to a lower risk of cognitive disorders, while for tea, a linear relationship was observed, where each additional daily cup was associated with an 11% reduction in risk."
The study analysed data from 8,715 dementia-free participants in the UK, aged between 60 and 85, who were followed for an average of 9.11 years. People were excluded if they had medical conditions or were on medications that could affect cognitive health, such as Parkinson's disease, depression, diabetes, hypertension, or if they consumed more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
In their study conclusion, researchers revealed "moderate coffee and both moderate and high tea intake were associated with slower declines in fluid intelligence over nearly a decade, suggesting potential cognitive benefits in older age. While the protective effects were more apparent for tea and moderate coffee intake, high coffee consumption (four or more cups per day) was linked to poorer outcomes."
Despite some "limitations", the study notes that the results suggest "moderate consumption of coffee and tea may be protective against age-related cognitive decline. The researchers speculate that caffeine may be a key factor, noting that tea's lower caffeine content could explain why no upper limit for beneficial tea consumption was observed in this study."
The study highlights that cognitive decline, especially from Alzheimer's disease, poses a major public health challenge in ageing populations. With this in mind, the experts stress that identifying lifestyle factors that can help preserve cognitive function and is essential.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The 5 simple tweaks you can make TODAY to slash your risk of the 5 biggest killer diseases
Here's how you can start tweaking your lifestyle for better health - right now HIGH FIVE The 5 simple tweaks you can make TODAY to slash your risk of the 5 biggest killer diseases Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHETHER it's hitting our five-a-day or getting eight hours of sleep, we are inundated with tips to avoid getting ill. But who has time to spend every minute tracking symptoms, eating superfood salads or obsessing over wellness trends? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Give your health a boost and lower your risk of illness with five easy lifestyle changes Credit: Getty The good news is there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to stay healthy and slash your risk of the UK's five biggest killers — dementia, heart disease, stroke, cancer and liver disease. New cancer diagnoses are forecast to rise from 420,000 to 506,000 a year by 2040, according to Cancer Research UK. And the Alzheimer's Society expects dementia cases to surge from 982,000 to 1.4million in the same period. The British Heart Foundation warns that deaths from heart disease in working-age adults have risen for the first time in 50 years. The British Liver Trust says liver disease now kills four times more people than five decades ago, and the Stroke Association predicts there will be a 50 per cent rise in strokes by 2035. In short, it's time to take action. Dr Martin Thornton, chief medical officer at Bluecrest Wellness, tells Sun on Sunday Health: 'Lifestyle factors play a significant role in the development and progression of these five killers.' Give your health a boost and lower your risk of illness with these five changes... 1. MEDITERRANEAN MOMENT 6 A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil can lower risks of Alzheimer's, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease, say experts Credit: Getty WHAT you eat is a good place to start. Swerve ultra-processed foods, such as sausages, crisps and mass-produced bread, in favour of a Mediterranean diet filled with fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and olive oil, says Dr Natasha Fernando, a GP and medical director at Medichecks. What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? This is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's. She adds: 'Diets low in saturated fats and high in plant-based foods can improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure, both significant risk factors in heart disease and stroke. 'Switch to fibre-filled wholegrain bread, cereals and pasta. Swap white rice for brown, and cook with olive oil instead of butter. 'Use unsalted nuts and seeds, which are filled with healthy fats, as toppers for your salads, porridge, yoghurt and soups, and to snack on.' To lower your risk of liver disease, add defrosted berries to your breakfast and chopped carrots to pasta sauce. Dr Thornton adds: 'Consider a few meat-free meals each week, with alternative protein sources like tofu or beans.' And don't forget omega-3 fatty acids to boost your brain health. Go for oily fish such as sardines and salmon, as well as walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds. 2. PUMP IT UP 6 Even four minutes of vigorous exercise a day can lower your risk of a heart attack and rhythm abnormalities Credit: Getty THE NHS recommends doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. "This is anything that makes you breathe faster and feel warmer,' says Dr Fernando. Even four minutes of vigorous exercise a day can lower your risk of a heart attack and rhythm abnormalities, research published in the British Journal Of Sports Medicine suggests. As well as cardio, do resistance-based exercises, such as weights, at least twice a week. No time to exercise? 'Simply walking more can help,' Dr Fernando says. 'Take the stairs, park farther away and walk around while talking on the phone.' A study by the University of Sydney found that 7,000 daily steps could reduce your risk of dementia (by 38 per cent), heart disease (by 25 per cent) and cancer (by six per cent). Separate research by the University of Pennsylvania found just 2,500 was enough to lower the chances of liver disease by 38 per cent. Dr Fernando adds: 'Household chores and gardening count.' 3. WEIGHT OFF 6 Carrying excess weight raises risks of cancer, diabetes, and heart problems, experts urge steady weight loss through healthy eating and exercise Credit: Getty CARRYING too much weight puts you at risk of a host of health issues, including the top five killers. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, obesity raises your chances of at least 13 types of cancer. 'It also contributes to inflammation, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure,' Dr Fernando says. But Dr Thornton adds that if you're hoping to slim, crash-dieting won't work. 'Focus on gradual weight loss, aiming for 0.5 to 1kg a week, through healthy eating and regular physical activity,' he says. 'Eat slowly, without distractions, and stop when you feel satisfied rather than stuffed.' Getting enough sleep and managing stress will also help prevent overeating. Everyone has a different healthy weight, but the NHS deems anyone with a body mass index of 25 or above to be overweight or obese. 4. STUB IT OUT 6 Tobacco kills eight million people a year globally, 1.2million of whom are non-smokers, according to Action On Smoking And Health Credit: Getty THERE'S no end to the dangers of smoking, yet six million of us still do it. Dr Fernando says: 'Tobacco smoke is known to contain around 70 substances that are linked to cancer. 'Smoking also contributes to the narrowing of blood vessels and the build-up of fatty deposits, affecting blood flow and delivery of oxygen to vital organs such as the brain and heart. 'This is associated with increased risk of dementia, heart disease and stroke.' Tobacco kills eight million people a year globally, 1.2million of whom are non-smokers, according to Action On Smoking And Health. 'Even if you're not a smoker, avoid secondhand smoke and places where smoking is prevalent,' Dr Thornton says. 'There's no one right way to quit, so speak to a healthcare professional about a method that feels sustainable for you.' 5. YOU BOOZE YOU LOSE 6 Head off serious illness by keeping within the recommended 14 units of alcohol a week, spreading this over several days Credit: Getty EXCESS alcohol is the leading cause of liver disease, but it's not just your liver that takes a beating. Dr Fernando says: 'Chronic heavy booze intake is linked to an increased risk of all types of dementia, in particular early-onset dementia, as it contributes to brain shrinkage and cognitive decline.' The British Heart Foundation also says that drinking too much, too often, can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. There are heightened chances, too, of liver cancer, bowel cancer, mouth cancer and breast cancer. Keep within the recommended 14 units a week, spreading this over several days. Dr Thornton says: 'This is a limit, not a target. Cutting out booze altogether is the best choice.' Dr Fernando adds: 'Try low-alcohol or non-alcoholic options, mocktails or juices.'
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Morning tea or coffee could slash risk of Alzheimer's disease
Your memory could be sharper simply down to what you drink The drink you consume every day could be giving you more benefits than you think. New research has linked moderate consumption of two drinks with slower declines in reasoning and memory among seniors. Published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, researchers explored the link between tea and coffee consumption and long-term cognitive changes in older adults. The findings suggest that moderate coffee intake, along with moderate to high tea consumption, could be linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline. It also reveals that drinking these beverages may help safeguard against particular types of cognitive decline in older adults, particularly in areas like reasoning and problem-solving. In contrast, consuming four or more cups of coffee daily was linked to a quicker decline. In fact, "one study found that consuming up to 2.5 cups of coffee per day was linked to a lower risk of cognitive disorders, while for tea, a linear relationship was observed, where each additional daily cup was associated with an 11% reduction in risk." The study analysed data from 8,715 dementia-free participants in the UK, aged between 60 and 85, who were followed for an average of 9.11 years. People were excluded if they had medical conditions or were on medications that could affect cognitive health, such as Parkinson's disease, depression, diabetes, hypertension, or if they consumed more than 14 units of alcohol per week. In their study conclusion, researchers revealed "moderate coffee and both moderate and high tea intake were associated with slower declines in fluid intelligence over nearly a decade, suggesting potential cognitive benefits in older age. While the protective effects were more apparent for tea and moderate coffee intake, high coffee consumption (four or more cups per day) was linked to poorer outcomes." Despite some "limitations", the study notes that the results suggest "moderate consumption of coffee and tea may be protective against age-related cognitive decline. The researchers speculate that caffeine may be a key factor, noting that tea's lower caffeine content could explain why no upper limit for beneficial tea consumption was observed in this study." The study highlights that cognitive decline, especially from Alzheimer's disease, poses a major public health challenge in ageing populations. With this in mind, the experts stress that identifying lifestyle factors that can help preserve cognitive function and is essential.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow hospice funding plea as it reveals £755k shortfall
The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Bellahouston Park is hoping 'the local community' will support its Vital Care Appeal. Chief Executive Rhona Baillie said: 'We provide free specialist palliative and end-of-life care to 1200 new patients and their families each year, both at the hospice at Bellahouston Park and in patients' own homes. 'We're doing everything we can to keep our costs to a minimum. We run our services efficiently, we're innovating with our fundraising, and we make every pound count. 'But despite our efforts, a significant funding gap remains.' (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) The hospice is predicting a £755,000 shortfall in funding, citing the rise in demand for its services, patients' more complex needs and rising costs as the main pressures. Ms Baillie said that 'with local government funding just 30 per cent of running the hospice, the remaining 70 per cent comes from fundraising and donations' and added: 'We're not in crisis yet, but we need to act and that's why we are turning to our friends in the community for help.' Kirsty with her dad, Robert (Image: PPWH) Kirsty Dolan, 22, is supporting the appeal following the death of her dad, Robert, in the hospice in 2021. Robert was diagnosed with Parkinson's when he was 48 and Kirsty, who was only 10 at the time, along with her mum and older sister, became carers for him. In 2021, he visited the hospital for inpatient care. 'He had developed supranuclear palsy and needed specialist care,' said Kirsty. 'He was in the IPU for about a week where he just received the very best care you could imagine. 'We got to spend as much time with him as we could, and we even got to bring our dogs in for a visit. When he was nearing the end of his life, we all stayed over at the hospice in the family rooms so we could be close.' Kirsty also received support from the hospice's Family Support Service. 'I was really struggling,' she said. 'I was at breaking point. I emailed the hospice and the Family Support Service got in touch – and I have to say, it changed my life. "The team worked with me over a period of time and just helped me see things differently. ' It really was a lifeline, and I needed that support so much.' Glasgow Times readers helped raise the £21m needed for the new hospice, which opened in 2018, through our Brick by Brick Appeal. For more information on the Vital Care Appeal visit or call 0141 726 2660.
