Years ago the general belief was that coffee's only benefit was the jump--start that it would give when drank. It was also believed that it caused several undesirable side effects such as heart disease, stomach ulcers and others. Today, many studies especially since the early 1990's show evidence that there are some very beneficial effects from drinking coffee on a regular basis. It has been revealed that those with regular to high consumption of coffee are less likely to have Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, dementia, type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers. Some studies have also indicated that high coffee consumption is related to a lower risk of cirrhosis of the liver along with reduced liver cancers. For the purpose of this writing we will focus in particular on Alzheimer's disease where the research indicates that coffee is not only a possible deterrent but even improves those people already afflicted with this horrible disease.

Cup of Coffee : Coffee And It's Effects On Alzheimer's Disease

Cup of Coffee : Studies in mice

Like almost any other disease researchers have used mice to study the effects of caffeine on Alzheimer's disease. Although mice are not humans they are a live functioning body where the chemical levels in the brain and blood can be measured. Their cognitive abilities are also measured and done so under strict controls such as diet, exercise, sleep etc.

In a recent study at the University of South Florida mice which were genetically bred to develop Alzheimer's disease were given a moderate level of caffeine (the equivalent of 3 to 5 cups of coffee) in their water. The results showed that caffeine not only reduced the onset of Alzheimer's disease but reversed memory impairment of those mice already afflicted.

As stated by Gary Arendash, PhD, lead author and University of South Florida neuroscientist with the Florida Alzheimer's Disease Control Center. "The new findings provide evidence that caffeine could be a viable 'treatment' for established Alzheimer's disease, and simply not a protective strategy. That's important because caffeine is a safe drug for most people, it easily enters the brain, and it appears to directly affect the brain process."

Cup of Coffee : Studies in humans

Although studies in humans are not as easy to control (diet, exercise, sleep, stress, etc) as studies in mice are, many studies have been conducted. It has been said that as many as 3 in 5 of the studies conducted have shown that coffee is effective against cognitive decline, dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Researchers also believe that regular moderate coffee consumption can substantially improve already impaired memory and cognitive functions. Some of the studies spanned over a period of twenty years. One study of people aged 65 and older drinking 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day at mid-life were shown to have a 65 % less chance of developing Alzheimer's disease.

As with anything involving research and study there are always conflicting sides which tend to negate each other and this is the case here as well. There are many who point out some negative effects such as insomnia, possible anxiety and addiction. Having said that, there is certainly enough evidence to be really excited about for the possibilities of helping those afflicted with this horrible disease and also the possibility of some level of prevention. There are more studies on humans coming that are going to be more controlled that will hopefully answer how coffee can be used for this cause in the future.