Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics (Jan 2024)
Coffee and the brain: A comprehensive review of its neurological and psychiatric effects
Abstract
Coffee intake is a popular and widespread habit worldwide, with many individuals relying on it for its stimulating effects on cognitive function and mood. However, coffee's neurologic and psychiatric effects have been the subject of debate among researchers and health-care professionals. This review essay aims to synthesize the existing literature on the topic to understand better the relationship between coffee intake and neurologic and psychiatric outcomes. A systematic search of the PubMed database was conducted to identify relevant research articles published between 2005 and 2022. The search terms included “coffee,” “neurologic,” “psychiatric,” “cognitive,” “mood,” and “depression.” Studies were included if they examined the effects of coffee intake on neurologic or psychiatric outcomes, were published in English, and were conducted on human participants. A total of 29 studies were included in the final review. The studies reviewed in this essay provide evidence for coffee intake's neurologic and psychiatric effects. Caffeine, the essential psychoactive compound in coffee, is known to have stimulating effects on the central nervous system. It has also been shown to improve cognitive function and attention by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, leading to increased activity in the prefrontal cortex. Several studies have demonstrated that moderate coffee intake can enhance cognitive function, particularly in older adults. In addition, the consumption of coffee has been implicated with a reduced risk of depression, as well as a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. In conclusion, coffee intake positively affects cognitive functioning and mood, particularly in moderation. However, further research is required to understand the mechanisms behind these effects and determine the optimal coffee intake for neurologic and psychiatric benefits. In addition, future research should explore the potential adverse effects of excessive coffee intake, such as anxiety and sleep disturbances, to inform safe coffee intake recommendations for individuals. Overall, this review essay provides valuable insight into the neurologic and psychiatric effects of the consumption of coffee and highlights the need for further research in this field.
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