Past studies show that eating a healthy diet and consuming foods and beverages with certain naturally-occurring substances — such as caffeine — may help lower a person’s dementia risk.
Some of these substances include flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamins.
A new study found that moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee or tea, which is high in antioxidants, helped reduce dementia risk, slow cognitive decline, and preserve cognitive function.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 57 million peopleTrusted Source globally were living with dementia in 2021.
While the cause of dementia is still not entirely clear, previous research shows there are a number of ways people may be able to lower their dementia risk by following certain healthy lifestyle choicesTrusted Source. These include not smoking, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, Trusted Sourcebeing physically active, and eating a healthy diet.
When it comes to diet, past studies show that certain nutrients and other naturally occurring substances in food can possibly impact a person’s dementia risk. These include flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamins E and BTrusted Source.
Researchers have also been looking at another ingredient naturally found in some foods — caffeine — and how it might impact a person’s dementia risk. For example, a study published in May 2024Trusted Source found that moderate coffee or tea consumption helped reduce the risk of cognitive disorders, and a study published in May 2025 reported that greater caffeine intake, including caffeinated coffee and tea, was associated with a lower risk of dementia and better cognitive function.
