[di meliora]

The title is somewhat misleading. Nevertheless:

Coffee is a daily ritual for many Americans, providing that extra get-up-and-go before starting their routines. But, coffee could be more than just a good way to start the day for older individuals at risk for dementia; daily coffee consumption protects against the development of dementia, according to a new study. http://brainblogger.com/2012/07/10/c...dementia-away/

The author points out:

Caffeine is not the only factor that contributes to the development of dementia. Coffee itself is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce the risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Also, lack of physical activity or cognitive engagement and hypertension also contribute to the development of dementia.

This is not the first study to suggest that coffee may have therapeutic potential for cognitive function. The psychostimulant properties of caffeine have demonstrated reduced or delayed cognitive decline, especially among older people. But, it is still not clear if it is coffee, caffeine, or a combination of the two that provide the protection. In one study, caffeine solution (not coffee) and decaffeinated coffee did not show protective effects on cognition, while regular, caffeinated coffee did, suggesting that there are other components in coffee that synergize with caffeine to ward off dementia.

No study on the effects of caffeine on dementia has proved cause and effect, but the studies are observing increasingly quantifiable results regarding caffeine consumption, and future studies are likely. For now, older adults at risk for dementia should not replace all other drinks with coffee (there are other health risks associated with that much coffee consumption!), but an extra cup o’ joe with some friends could do more good than harm. (Emphasis added)

My treatment team advised me to stop drinking coffee. I might have to revisit the efficacy of the use of caffeine again in view of this study.

[tigerlily84]

This is interesting. My grandmother developed dementia roughly 10 yrs ago. We live in a predominantly Asian neighborhood, and she speaks Spanish. She doesn't speak English at all. So she stayed in the house mostly and did rarely went out on walks. She used to drink black tea every day while living with us. I know that there isn't as much caffeine in black tea as in coffee but I'd like to think that it may have helped her retain quite a bit. If anything the routine helped her. I would say that if there's any chance of stopping or slowing down the development of dementia, then I would go for it. Thanks for posting this.

[hamster-bamster]

Besides coffee, baby aspirin and alcohol in moderation prevent dementia.