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New research suggests that enjoying a daily cup of coffee or tea might do more than help you wake up—it could help keep your mind sharper as you age. According to a large, long-term study of older adults in the UK, those who consumed moderate amounts of coffee and tea experienced slower declines in certain types of cognitive abilities, compared to those who abstained or had high coffee intake.
Study Details
Researchers tracked 8,715 dementia-free adults aged 60–85 over an average of 9.1 years. The participants self-reported their coffee and tea consumption, which was classified as “never,” “moderate” (1–3 cups per day), or “high” (4 or more cups per day). Cognitive abilities were tested periodically using computerized assessments covering reasoning skills (fluid intelligence), reaction times, memory, and visual recall. Importantly, the analysis accounted for genetic risk factors (APOE-ε4) as well as demographic and lifestyle variables.
Key Findings
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Moderate coffee (1–3 cups/day) intake was linked to a slower decline in reasoning ability and visual memory over the years.
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High coffee consumption (4+ cups/day) was associated with a faster decline in cognitive performance compared to moderate intake or abstention.
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Both moderate and high tea intake were linked to a slower decline in reasoning and problem-solving skills, though at the start of the study, tea drinkers scored slightly lower than non-drinkers on these tests.
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Coffee and tea intake did not appear to affect reaction time or numeric memory in this study.
Researchers suggested that compounds found in coffee and tea—including caffeine, flavonoids, and antioxidants—may help protect the aging brain. Tea’s lower caffeine content might explain why higher consumption was not linked to negative effects, unlike coffee.
Important Caveats
The study relied on self-reported beverage intake, wasn’t able to distinguish among coffee preparation methods or types of tea, and didn’t track changes in drinking habits over time. It also couldn’t account for all potential confounding factors, such as stress levels or sleep quality. The findings are consistent with some—but not all—previous research on the topic.
Conclusion
The results offer cautious optimism that moderate coffee and tea habits could be part of a brain-healthy lifestyle for older adults, especially when it comes to maintaining reasoning and memory. However, the researchers stress that more rigorous studies are needed to confirm whether these beverages directly reduce cognitive decline—and, if so, why.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes findings from a published study and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before making decisions about their diet or lifestyle based on these results.
