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Coffee and caffeine are bad for you – right? That may have been the prevailing thought at one time, but a number of studies have started to uncover the positive aspects of both coffee and caffeine.

In particular, these can help prevent certain diseases and manage the symptoms and progression of others.

Coffee, Caffeine and Cognition

Using a double-blind trial, researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that caffeine consumption has the ability to strengthen memories and make them more resistant to forgetting. Specifically, caffeine can aid memory function for up to 24 hours after ingestion.

Dr. Shukitt-Hale of Tufts University also found that drinking coffee had positive impacts beyond that of the caffeine that it contains. Coffee contains polyphenols which help reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to brain-related diseases of aging like dementia.

Caffeine and Parkinson’s Disease

Caffeine has been found to have a preventative effect on Parkinson’s disease. In analyzing 30 years of data from the Honolulu Heart Program, coffee drinkers were found to have a significantly lower incidence of the disease than non-drinkers and this effect was attributed to the caffeine in the coffee.

However, the benefits are not limited to prevention when it comes to Parkinson’s disease. Research from McGill University in Canada showed that caffeine can help with movement speed and stiffness in people that already suffer from the disease as well.

Coffee and Heart Health

There have been conflicting views about the impact of coffee on the heart as caffeine does have the ability to raise blood pressure.

However, two large studies have shown positive effects from coffee consumption when it comes to heart health. A Kaiser Permanente study has shown (1-3 cups of coffee lowers the risk of arrhythmia, and in women, another study has shown 2 or more cups can reduce the risk of stroke.

Coffee, Caffeine and Cancer

A range of studies have found that coffee and caffeine have the ability to inhibit the development of certain types of cancer. The associations for endometrial and liver cancer in particular, have been found to be very strong and consistent across studies.

More recently, research suggests that coffee and caffeine can help prevent relapse and disease progression as well. Specifically, caffeine and certain compounds found in coffee may prevent cancer cells from proliferating and cancer cells to die off. This has been primarily studied in prostate cancer.

Coffee and Type 2 Diabetes

The relationship between coffee and Type 2 Diabetes has been fairly well-established in a number of studies. More recently, the relationship was confirmed for decaffeinated coffee in addition to caffeinated – though some studies suggest the effect is not as strong. It appears that certain compounds and minerals found in coffee improve glucose metabolism and lower the risk of developing this disease.

Caffeine and Gallstones

Gallstones are tiny crystal particles that can sometimes form inside the gallbladder – typically in older adults. Several studies have confirmed that drinking caffeinated coffee can decrease the risk of symptomatic gallbladder disease and gallstones in both men and women.

Coffee and Caffeine: The Bottom Line

Despite the growing list of health benefits attributable to coffee and caffeine consumption, there are downsides to be aware of. Caffeine is addictive, and too much can make you jittery and raise blood pressure. It can also interact with certain medications.

Encourage your elderly loved one to speak with their doctor about the risks and benefits of coffee consumption for them.