ABSTRACT

Background:
Globally, coffee and tea are consumed extensively, potentially providing neuroprotection through anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects.

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate associations between coffee and tea intake and cognitive function.

Methods:
In a longitudinal prospective cohort study, dementia-free (n = 8715; age range 60.0-85.2 years) older adults from the UK Biobank self-reported coffee and tea intake over the previous year; 'never', 'moderate' (1-3 cups/day), or 'high' (≥4 cups/day). Participants completed cognitive assessments at ≥2 timepoints (mean of 9.11 years).

Results:
Those 'never' consuming coffee and 'moderate' coffee consumers (β = 0.06, p = 0.005; β = 0.07, p < 0.001, respectively), as well as 'moderate' tea consumers and 'high' tea consumers (β = 0.06, p = 0.009; β = 0.06, p = 0.003, respectively) had slower fluid intelligence decline. Additionally, those 'never' consuming coffee and 'moderate' coffee consumers had a slower increase in pairs matching errors (β = -0.05, p = 0.022; β = 0.05, p = 0.013) compared to 'high' consumers.

Conclusions:
'Moderate' coffee, and 'moderate' and 'high' tea intake may be a protective factor against cognitive decline. Randomized controlled trials are required to establish causal relationships leading to evidence-based recommendations regarding benefits of coffee and tea intake.

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