Can coffee impact your brain health? A new study investigates

Here's what you need to know before ordering that latte

njoying fresh coffee. Top view of beautiful young woman holding cup while relaxing on sofa at home - stock photo
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Can coffee impact your brain health? Is your go-to cup of Joe doing more harm than good? 

Considering nine billion kilograms of the beverage are consumed each year, we assume that sipping on a latte or espresso every day is nothing out of the norm—even if we can't seem to agree about the best time of the day to drink coffee. But one study is taking our caffeine habits a step further to uncover how it'll affect us in the future. 

According to research findings from Nutritional Neuroscience (opens in new tab), high coffee intake can result in smaller total brain volumes and increased odds of dementia, both startling realizations. After taking a closer look at the 17,702 UK Biobank participants who had MRIs on file, the experts further concluded that six or more cups of coffee per day increase the risk for dementia by 53 percent.  

(Do keep in mind that an 8-ounce cup of coffee with 100 mg of caffeine is considered  standard, not a venti-sized Starbucks treat.) 



Can coffee impact your brain health?

In short, yes, coffee does have detrimental effects if you abuse it, just like any other beverage or food. But typically, those who are used to one or two cups per day don't have to fret. According to a Harvard medical study (opens in new tab), the time to discuss your coffee consumption with a doctor would be if you're experiencing tremors, having sleeping problems, or feeling stressed and uncomfortable.

Although there has been some debate for years whether or not coffee is good or bad for your health, it does have the potential to protect us against Parkinson's disease. Type 2 diabetes, and liver disease, according to Mayo Clinic (opens in new tab).  There are definitely perks besides the taste and energy jolt!

Should you experience any worrisome effects, regardless of how much coffee you are or are not drinking, always consult your doctor.

Danielle Valente

Danielle is a writer for woman&home and My Imperfect Life, covering all-things news, lifestyle and entertainment. 


The heart of her time at Future has been devoted to My Imperfect Life, where she's been attuned to the cosmos, new TV shows and relationship trends.  


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids and a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, amNewYork and Newsday, among other outlets. 


When Danielle is not working, you can usually find her reading a book, coffee at hand, or attempting a new recipe. (Recommendations always welcome!)