Alternative Health Blog

Coffee drinkers can always count on positive research about their morning beverage. The newest study, which followed 1,400 Finnish adults for two decades, suggests that a regular cup—or three—to start the day will protect against the onset of dementia as you grow older.

Hey, make mine a double Americano.

In fact, the new research shows up to three to five cups of coffee protects against dementia. That will make the more prodigious coffee drinkers happy. These more frequent coffee drinkers were found to be two-thirds less likely to develop dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease than non-coffee drinkers.

The Finn scientists noted that this new study adds to the protection value of coffee and its active ingredient, caffeine. Previous studies shows the morning beverage can help stave off Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Interestingly, other new studies show that insulin can protect the brain from dementia and Alzheimer’s risk, strengthening the connection that preventing diabetes (and loss of insulin regulation) can also prevent cognitive decline.

Much like studies showing that red wine can be healthful and protective against disease, none of the participating researchers are recommending that non-coffee drinkers begin a caffeine habit as much as allow regular coffee drinkers to feel confident their enjoyment is not counterproductive.

Most exciting to the Finn researchers is “the results open a possibility that dietary interventions could modify the risk of dementia.”

Bob Condor blogs for Alternative Health Journal every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.