Could Caffeine Treat or Prevent Alzheimer’s?

A link between reduction of beta amyloid (βA) plaque accumulations and caffeine consumption suggests a possible protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development, according to a recent review of medical literature.

“It has been postulated that caffeine may have an attenuating effect on both accumulation of βA plaques…,” the authors wrote
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“This review focuses on the hypothesized correlation between the biochemistry and pathology of APP [amyloid precursor protein] and βA deposition in the context of AD. In addition, this review aims to identify the hypothesized role of caffeine in reducing βA levels and its link with AD.”

Previous studies involving mouse models, they wrote, have demonstrated the potential of caffeine (specifically coffee) to slow down or prevent the development of βA plaques.

It does so by blocking the effects of neuromodulator adenosine, which produces increases in nervous system activity that affect neurotransmitter systems, influencing blood flow to the brain, and promoting alertness and responsiveness in inactive patients.

“Based on the results from various studies, it is vital to focus on caffeine as a crucial part of the development of treatment and management of substances for AD” and to “increase the number of studies and expand the knowledge base on the role of caffeine in relation to the pathology of AD.”

“It is therefore imperative for research to continue, geared toward investigating the potential use of caffeine in the treatment, prevention, and/or alteration of disease course for those affected with AD.”

The complete review is published in the March issue of the Journal of Caffeine Research.

-Michelle Canales Butcher

Reference:

Mohan A, Roberto A, Mohan A, et al. Caffeine as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease: a review. NEJM. 2015 March [epub ahead of print] doi: 10.1089/jcr.2014.0027.