A popular breakfast drink could be a surprising ally in the battle against dementia, according to scientists. Research, led by a team at Verona University, suggests that drinking just one espresso daily could significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, which was spearheaded by Professor Mariapina D’Onofrio, delved into the effects of espresso on the brain, specifically its ability to counteract the formation of tau proteins.
These proteins are known for accumulating in the brains of those with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
Published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the study suggests that compounds found in espresso actively break down these tau proteins, preventing the damage they cause to neurons and subsequent cognitive decline.
As reported by The Mirror, even the fashionable espresso martini cocktail, a favourite among many, contains these beneficial espresso compounds that could help ward off dementia-related processes.
Tau proteins are critical for maintaining stable brain structures in healthy individuals, yet in those with neurodegenerative diseases, they tend to form damaging ‘fibrils’ that impair neural functioning and lead to the cognitive decline seen in dementia. Exciting laboratory experiments linked to the research discovered that espresso can notably prevent the build-up of these harmful fibrils.
The study also observed an interesting regional trend: approximately 96 percent of Italians drink espresso daily, a fact that might be tied to a lower incidence of dementia in some areas. In their exploration of espresso’s chemistry, made using store-purchased beans, the researchers utilised cutting-edge technology, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Professor D’Onofrio enthused over the versatility of espresso, noting: “Whether enjoyed on its own or mixed into a latte, Americano or even a martini, espresso provides an ultra-concentrated jolt of caffeine to coffee lovers.
“But it might do more than just wake you up. Espresso compounds can inhibit tau protein aggregation – a process that is believed to be involved in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.”
These findings are supported by another important study conducted in the US in 2012, which followed individuals with mild cognitive impairments and tracked their caffeine intake along with their cognitive performance over two to four years. The team found that participants who did not progress into dementia had caffeine levels in their bloodstream that were double those of participants who did develop the condition.
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Yet, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, such studies should be approached with caution as they may not provide a definitive answer. It’s difficult to determine whether caffeine levels play a role in affecting the onset of dementia or vice versa.
For instance, insomnia caused by dementia could lead someone to cut out caffeine, indicating the results of the research can’t conclusively point to cause and effect.
The NHS says that you can lower your risk of dementia with the following:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Keeping alcohol within recommended limits
- Stopping smoking
- Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level.
If you or someone you know displays signs of dementia, you should speak to a GP.