Research indicates that older adults who consume unsweetened caffeinated coffee may have a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and Parkinson’s disease. This study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, analyzed data from the UK Biobank and focused on the type of coffee consumed.
• Participants aged 40 to 69 were assessed, with 54% drinking unsweetened coffee.
• Those who consumed unsweetened coffee had a 29-30% lower risk of Alzheimer’s and related conditions.
• Drinking decaffeinated coffee also showed a 34-37% lower risk of these diseases.
• Sweetened coffee did not show any protective benefits against these neurodegenerative disorders.
Understanding the connections between coffee consumption and neurodegenerative diseases is crucial. As these conditions affect millions globally, promoting unsweetened coffee could be a simple dietary change that helps improve public health. This research highlights the potential benefits of coffee while cautioning against the addition of sugar or artificial sweeteners.
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