Drinking Coffee During Midlife May Reduce the Risk of Dementia in Later Life

In a prospective study involving 1,409 individuals aged 65 to 79 years of age, results indicate that regular consumption of coffee during midlife may reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) later in life. During an average follow-up of 21 years, 61 cases of dementia (48 with AD) were identified. After adjusting for confounders, persons who consumed 3-5 cups of coffee per day during midlife showed a 65% reduced risk of dementia in later life, compared to persons who drank little or no coffee per day. Thus, the authors conclude, “Coffee drinking at midlife is associated with a decreased risk of dementia/AD later in life. This finding might open possibilities for prevention of dementia/AD.”