Caffeine is a substance found in coffee, tea, cocoa or energy drinks, among others. This chemical compound is known to stimulate the central nervous system, increase alertness and reduce drowsiness.

The research, circulated in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, compiled data on the biological changes that caffeine consumption can cause in the brain, particularly in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

As part of the methodology, the authors analyzed during five years the caffeinated food intake of 263 patients over 70 years of age and with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease, who also underwent MRI scans and blood and CSF samples.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that mainly affects older adults. It is caused by the abnormal accumulation in the brain of beta-amyloid or tau protein fragments.

These accumulations disrupt brain cell communication and cause brain cell death, resulting in cognitive impairment and memory loss.

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