Studies: Coffee May Lower Alzheimer's Risk

Researchers Think Caffeine May Reduce Inflammation in the Brain, Preventing Memory Loss

(CBS)  Last updated 10:18 a.m. ET.

Two new studies have found that your morning cup of coffee might help treat or even prevent memory loss. Dr. Jennifer Ashton stopped by "The Early Show" to discuss these latest findings.

As Dr. Ashton explained, the studies were done on mice.

"Researchers gave the equivalent of 500 milligrams of caffeine per day to little lab mice, who have been induced to have the same kind of memory changes we see in Alzheimer's disease, and they found a very positive effect on their memory and thinking actions over a two-month period. So put another one in the column of a good effect of caffeine," she explained.

The human equivalent (how much a human being would have to drink to have a similar effect) would be about five medium-sized cups of coffee.

"It looks like a lot, but it's important to realize that now, when we go to a deli or a Starbucks, this could actually be just the equivalent of 2 1/2 large or Grande cups of coffee a day. While it's a little bit more than most people have in the morning, it's actually not such an excessive amount," she said.

Asked how quickly this effect was detected in these mice and how long it lasted, Ashton said, "They saw it over a two-month time period, and they're still following them. It's not yet known whether the changes appear to be permanent or not.

"Their thinking is that actually the caffeine worked by decreasing the inflammation in the brain, cuts down on the buildup of protein we see in the brain of people with Alzheimer's disease."

The studies appeared in the July 5 online edition of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Ashton said the findings are very encouraging. "People are affected by Alzheimer's. While it's important to remember that caffeine is a drug, this is something that's readily accessible in our environment practically. It's in people's day-to-day, and something that can have an effect like this is very important and very encouraging."

Ashton notes that some caution is advised. Caffeine is a drug, and can be associated with increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, jitteriness, palpitations and dehydration.

"For people who have irregular heart beats, hypertension, women who are pregnant or those who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, coffee, tea or soda should be consumed in moderation."

These people should also discuss caffeine consumption with their health care provider.

Asked if she'd encourage people to drink more coffee, Ashton said, "It's important to see the coffee didn't have a healing effect but more of a therapeutic effect. More studies are on the way."

[Ganocoffee]

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[incog-nito]

Didn't work for me. I tried using coffee to reverse my memory loss, but kept forgetting to drink it.

[borg99]

Gee, these researchers wouldn't be funded by Juan Valdez, would they?

[tjtrekkie]

Dont believe every study that comes down the road. I can say this because my grandfather who was a World War 2 veteran and drank coffee black as coal every day of his life passed away from Alzheimer disease. It was a very hard thing for my family to see happen to him and not be able to do anything about it. I dont know maybe they make coffee different now,but I dont think so.

[bwlewis1964]

asee you at Starbucks.

[bradworden]

Perspectoff...there are some problems with your calculations. First the story says mice were given the "equivalent of 500mg caffeine each day" So you do not need to factor mouse/human weight difference because it was already calculated to get the 500mg. Second, a cup of coffee usually has ~100mg caffeine. You must be drinking very weak coffee. Anyway, this does indeed add up to ~5 cups of coffee.

[Veronicagrim]

I don't often have the opportunity to watch your show, but I did see part of it this morning. I was very touched by your coverage of Michael Jackson. Not just the content, but the way it was presented. The tone of voice, the reverence shown for the fact that this young man is dead. I am a mother who has lost two sons and it doesn't really matter about all the eccentricities surrounding Michael, he was a mother's son and as such, you showed respect.
Thank you for that.
Oh, and by the way, I'll make an effort to watch you more often.
Veronica Grim.

[perspectoff]

Ok, let's see. I weigh 20 times more than a rat.

A cup of coffee has 35 mg of caffeine.

So to drink the equivalent of the amount of caffeine the rats did, I would need 500 / 35 * 20 = 240 cups of coffee a day to have the same effect.

You might fool someone with Alzheimer's with this "study" but not me.

This is a long list of pseudo-science articles touting coffee's benefits in everything from pancreatic cancer to colon cancer to autism (and now Alzheimer's). Good to know Starbucks is at least supporting some news outlets.

[Newzboy]

Agreed ... besides, when is the last time you saw an Elephant at Starbucks

[bradworden]

you're calculation is off. First story says mice, not rats. Second, 500mg is "equivalent" meaning this is how much given in equivalent human terms so you do not have to calculate for weight...it was already done. Lastly, coffee has 100mg caffeine. Coffee also has antioxidants...sure beats drinking soda, sweet drinks. ;)