A new laboratory study from the University of South Florida
suggests an unknown component of coffee interacts with caffeine
to protect against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using a mouse
model, researchers found that this interaction boosts blood
levels of a critical growth factor that seems to fight off the
Alzheimer’s disease process. The research presents the first
evidence that caffeinated coffee offers protection against the
memory-robbing disease not found in other caffeine-containing
drinks or decaffeinated coffee. Moreover, the findings support
real-life observational research that has found daily
coffee/caffeine intake during mid-life and in older age
decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The USF researchers’
earlier studies in Alzheimer’s mice indicated that caffeine was
likely the ingredient in coffee that provides this protection
because it decreases brain production of the abnormal protein
beta-amyloid, which is thought to cause the disease. The new
study shows that caffeinated coffee induces an