Drink decaf coffee to prevent cognitive decline

Paul Smithson

02/02/2012 11:47:56

New research has connected the consumption of decaffeinated coffee with the preservation of cognitive function.

The study was published in Nutritional Neuroscience and reported by EurekAlert, which explained that decaf coffee was associated with improved brain energy metabolism in rats prior to the onset of diet-induced type-two diabetes, which can cause neurocognitive issues.

Dr Giulio Mario Pasinetti, professor of neurology and psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, is hoping to explore the preventative role of the non-caffeine components of coffee. For now, the research may entice people to use decaffeinated coffee pods as well as caffeinated ones.

“This is the first evidence showing the potential benefits of decaffeinated coffee preparations for both preventing and treating cognitive decline caused by type 2 diabetes, ageing, and/or neurodegenerative disorders,” said Dr Pasinetti.

Huff Post Lifestyle writer Kyrsty Hazell reflected on the research by explaining that the low glucose levels of sufferers of type-two diabetes is what can cause cognitive decline. As a result of the low level of brain energy, the risk of developing disorders such as Alzheimer’s are increased.

She suggested the potential benefits decaffeinated coffee offer could be very interesting for the many people that kick off their day with a coffee.