Moderate Coffee and Tea Intake May Lower Dementia Risk, Study Suggests

By: Foluke Akinwalere, Health & Medical Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA Team.

February 19, 2026

Image of an African lady, sitting in her living room enjoying a cup of coffee. Image created from ChatGPT.

Many Africans enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee alone or with family in the morning or evening tea after a long day. But beyond comfort and culture, could these drinks have benefits for our brains as we age?

A large new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests a link between regularly drinking caffeinated coffee or tea and a lower risk of dementia later in life.

This finding is encouraging, especially as conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline affect communities globally, including in Africans who have limited access to specialist brain health care.

About the Study

The research was led by scientists at Harvard University and published in the JAMA.

• It followed 131,821 adults (both women and men) for up to 43 years.
• Participants were asked about their diet, including how much coffee and tea they drank, and were then followed over decades to see who developed dementia or experienced cognitive decline (problems with memory, thinking, or reasoning)
• The study looked separately at caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea drinking

This kind of long-term research is called an observational cohort study; it observes patterns over time without intervening (i.e., attempting to influence the outcome) or giving people specific treatments.

What the Study Found

The major findings were:

1.  Moderate caffeinated coffee and tea were linked to a lower risk of dementia.

• People who drank more caffeinated coffee had about an 18% lower risk of developing dementia compared with those who drank little or none.
• Tea drinkers showed similar protective patterns.

2.  Decaffeinated coffee did not show the same benefit.

This suggests that caffeine or other natural compounds in coffee and tea may play a role.

3.  Brain function appeared better among moderate drinkers.

Those with higher caffeinated coffee or tea intake reported fewer memory complaints and performed slightly better on cognitive tests than low-intake groups.

4.  Most noticeable benefits were seen with moderate intake.

• About 2-3 cups of coffee per day, or
• 1-2 cups of tea per day.

These results suggest a link between caffeinated drinks and brain health, but do not prove that coffee or tea causes these benefits.

Limitations of the Study

It’s important to understand what this study can and cannot tell us:

• It shows association, not cause: Just because people who drank more coffee or tea had a lower dementia risk doesn't mean the drinks caused the benefit. Other lifestyle factors, like diet quality, physical activity, and sleep patterns, may also influence brain health.

Even so, researchers caution that your morning coffee alone is not enough to protect your brain health.

“While our results are encouraging, it’s important to remember that the effect size is small and there are lots of important ways to protect cognitive function as we age,” a senior researcher, Dr. Daniel Wang, said in a news release.

He added, “Our study suggests that caffeinated coffee or tea consumption can be one piece of that puzzle.”

• It was mostly done in U.S. adults: The participants were from long-term U.S. health studies, which may not fully reflect African diets, lifestyles, or genetic differences.

• Types of coffee/tea weren’t distinguished: The study did not examine whether differences in how the drink was prepared, types of beans or leaf used, or amount of sugar and milk added had an impact.

So while the findings are encouraging, they are not definitive, and they should be interpreted with care.

What the Study Means For Africans

As Africans, our traditions around coffee, tea, and other beverages are as rich and diverse as our cultures. Here are some thoughtful takeaways:

• Moderation matters: The study’s most consistent associations were seen with moderate amounts, not excessive intake. Drinking a few cups of coffee or tea a day is likely fine, but going overboard may reduce benefits and affect sleep, blood pressure, or anxiety.

• Consider whole-food habits: Brain health is influenced by many factors. Healthy eating of African foods that promote brain health, regular movement, good sleep, social connection, and managing conditions like high blood pressure all matter a great deal.

• Sugar and additives: Many Africans enjoy sweetened coffee or tea. Excess sugar, especially added to sugary coffee mixes or tea, may increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain, which in turn affect overall health. Choosing less sugar is a healthier habit overall.

• Cultural context: In many African communities, sharing coffee or tea is part of social bonding, calming rituals, and hospitality. These social dimensions also support mental and emotional well-being, which are important for brain health.

Wrap up

This large, long-term study suggests that drinking caffeinated coffee or tea regularly, in moderation, is associated with a lower risk of dementia and better cognitive function later in life. But this does not prove that these drinks prevent brain disease. It adds to growing evidence that diet and lifestyle choices, including beverage habits, are part of a healthy ageing journey.

As we think about brain health in African communities, it’s helpful to combine what research shows with cultural practices and whole-life habits that support physical, mental, and social well-being.

Source: Zhang Y, Liu Y, Li Y, et al. Coffee and Tea Intake, Dementia Risk, and Cognitive Function. JAMA. Published online February 09, 2026. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.27259 Available from: here

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Published: February 19, 2026

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