A brain specialist has disclosed that a beloved breakfast beverage could help "protect" against dementia. The expert suggests that drinking this could form part of a "brain-healthy lifestyle".

Dr Baibing Chen took to TikTok to share his insights. He revealed: "Did you know that drinking a cup of morning coffee might help protect you against dementia?"

The neurologist, known online as Dr Bing, pointed to recent research that's just been released. He elaborated: "A huge long term study that was just published in JAMA [the Journal of the American Medical Association]followed over 130,000 people for decades and found that regularly drinking caffeinated coffee or caffeinated tea is linked with a lower risk of dementia and better cognitive function later in life."

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Crucially though, this benefit only applied to caffeinated varieties of these beverages. "The interesting part is that decaffeinated coffee and decaffeinated tea did not show the same association with lower dementia risk or better cognition, which suggests that caffeine itself and not just coffee or tea as a drink, might be part of the story," Dr Bing explained.

"One hypothesis is that caffeine interacts with brain receptors that influence inflammation and alertness and might help protect neurons over time. But it's important to know that this is an observational study, so it shows association and not causation.

"And people who choose caffeinated drinks may differ in sleep, they may have a better lifestyle, better vascular health and other habits that also affect dementia risk."

He also sounded a note of caution: "It absolutely does not mean that you should start drinking excessive amounts of caffeine because too much can worsen your heart health and your brain health."

Rather, he emphasised that these beverages should be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle. Dr Bing added: "So the takeaway is that drinking moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee and tea could be one piece of a brain-healthy lifestyle, along with things like exercise, sleep, blood pressure control and cognitive engagement."

In the study, scientists analysed data from more than 130,000 Americans who were tracked for up to 43 years. During this time, 11,033 dementia diagnoses were recorded.

Participants reported their coffee and tea consumption every few years, allowing researchers to track drinking patterns across decades. The results showed that coffee drinkers were not only less likely to receive a dementia diagnosis, but also experienced fewer memory problems and performed slightly better in cognitive tests.

Tea drinkers enjoyed similar benefits, though they needed smaller amounts to achieve them. Whilst coffee lovers required two to three cups daily for maximum benefit, tea drinkers gained equivalent protection from just one to two cups.

Regular caffeine consumers showed an 18 per cent lower risk of developing dementia over a 40-year span, with the protective benefits holding steady regardless of genetic susceptibility, including those carrying the APOE4 gene variant. The study's researchers observed: "The most pronounced associated differences were observed with intake of approximately two to three cups per day of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups per day of tea.

"Greater consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea was associated with lower risk of dementia and modestly better cognitive function, with the most pronounced association at moderate intake levels."

The research wasn't without limitations, though. The study depended on participants' self-reporting their eating and drinking habits through questionnaires, which failed to document particular varieties of tea or coffee brewing methods that might affect the levels of bioactive compounds.

Dementia cases were identified via death certificates and participants' reports of doctor visits rather than thorough neurological assessments, potentially resulting in missed cases or incorrect classifications. The observational nature of the study means it cannot prove a direct cause-and-effect link between coffee drinking and brain health.

Those taking part in the study were predominantly white healthcare professionals, which could restrict how broadly the findings apply to other ethnic groups or varied socioeconomic populations.

The NHS website notes that certain dementia risk factors are challenging or impossible to alter. These include:

• Age: the older you are, the more likely you are to develop dementia. However, dementia is not a natural part of ageing


• Genes: in general, genes alone are not thought to cause dementia. However, certain genetic factors are involved with some of the less common types


• Dementia usually develops because of a combination of genetic and "environmental" factors, such as smoking and a lack of regular exercise


• Air pollution: research suggests that air pollution may affect the brain and could increase the risk of dementia

However, research published by The Lancet indicates that further risk factors may also play a significant role. These include:

• Hearing loss


• Untreated depression


• Loneliness or social isolation


• Sitting for most of the day

"The research concluded that by modifying the risk factors we are able to change, around four in 10 cases of dementia could be prevented," the NHS said. Furthermore, experts are in agreement that whatever benefits your heart will equally benefit your brain.

This means you can help cut your chances of developing dementia by:

• Eating a balanced diet


• Maintaining a healthy weight


• Exercising regularly


• Keeping alcohol within recommended limits


• Stopping smoking


• Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level

If you or someone you know displays any symptoms of dementia, it is important to consult a doctor.

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