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American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias logoLink to American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
. 2008 Oct-Nov;23(5):417–422. doi: 10.1177/1533317508320083

Review: Caffeine: Neuroprotective Functions in Cognition and Alzheimer's Disease

Andi Rosso 1, Jana Mossey 2, Carol F Lippa 3
PMCID: PMC10846190  PMID: 19230121

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease is a common problem in our elderly population. Although research is leading to improvements in our understanding of the underlying biology, we still have little understanding of the environmental risk factors associated with this disorder. Caffeine, an easily modifiable environmental factor, may have a protective effect on the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. This article reviews the association between caffeine from both a biologic and epidemiologic perspective. Further studies are needed to determine whether caffeine consumption could have a major affect on the development of Alzheimer's disease or age-related cognitive decline.

Keywords: caffeine, Alzheimer's disease, aging, cognition, adenosine receptors, epidemiology, risk factors

Full Text

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Contributor Information

Andi Rosso, Department of Neurology Drexel University College of Medicine, alr44@drexel.edu, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Jana Mossey, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Carol F. Lippa, Department of Neurology Drexel University College of Medicine.

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