Role of drinking coffee in the prevention of dementia

Abstract

The prevention of dementia is an increasingly common and applied strategy to deal with this problem. Researchers are looking for further preventive measures and examine both well-known methods and various substances – including coffee and its ingredients, mainly caffeine. Since presumably caffeine reduces the incidence of diseases that are risk factors for developing dementia, the role of coffee in preventing neurodegenerative diseases is becoming increasingly important. The results of studies evaluating the effects of coffee on neurodegenerative processes remain ambiguous at present, however, the consumption of coffee does not pose a risk for developing dementia. Data on the protective effect of coffee on the known risk factors of the emergence of a clinical manifestation of neurodegenerative diseases, i.e. diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and depression, clearly indicate a beneficial impact of caffeine and other coffee ingredients on the reduction of the prevalence of these conditions in people regularly drinking coffee. Increasing the amount of coffee consumed translates into a positive effect on lowering the risk but reducing its consumption – increases the risk. Besides proven beneficial effects on the body, coffee also stimulates physical, cognitive and social activity, and improves the effects of the actions taken and it should be remembered that social isolation, sedentary lifestyle and insufficient cognitive activity also contribute to accelerating the development of dementia. The article discusses the role and importance of coffee consumption in the context of risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative diseases.