Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is quickly becoming more prevalent and more problematic for our healthcare system.  It is currently the 6th leading cause of death and one out of every three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

There are two things that frighten me the most when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease:
1) We have a very large segment of our population that are entering their senior years.  This means that the incidence of Alzheimer’s is expected to soar over the next few decades.  In Canada, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s is expected to double by 2031.
2) Out of the top 10 leading causes of death, Alzheimer’s disease is the only one that cannot be treated or cured.

Since there is no treatment currently for this condition, it’s even more imperative to identify preventive measures that people can start now, before they reach their senior years.  Lucky for us, there’s something scientists are finding may offer us protection, and it also tastes so good – – It’s COFFEE!!

An interesting study was done in 2009 – approximately 1400 middle-aged adults were followed over 21 years (and they were now between 65-79 years of age).  Over this time, 61 people had developed dementia (48 of which had Alzheimer’s disease).  What they found next was quite encouraging.

They found that those who were “coffee-drinkers” had a lower risk of dementia/Alzheimer’s than their counterparts who did not drink coffee.  They also found that the people who drank the most coffee actually had the lowest risk (65% reduced risk to be exact!) of developing dementia/Alzheimers later in life.

Studies have always shown that moderate caffeine consumption has a positive impact on short-term memory, cognition, and even mood.  This study is interesting because it’s demonstrating a possible long-term benefit of caffeine consumption.

This doesn’t mean that we should all start consuming excessive amounts of caffeine.  Also, keep in mind that some of us are more sensitive to caffeine consumption, and it may affect your sleep or increase anxiety levels and blood pressure.

Dr. Michael Morsillo, H.B.Sc., N.D.
Newmarket Naturopathic Clinic
905-898-1844 ext. 135
www.drmorsillo.com
dr.morsillo@gmail.com

 

 

Eskelinen MH, et al. 2009. Midlife coffee and tea drinking and the risk of late-life dementia: a population-based CAIDE study. J Alzheimers Dis; 16(1): 85-91.