Americans love their caffeine and a new study out of Indiana University finds it has the potential to protect against dementia by boosting a protective enzyme.
The enzyme is called nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2 or NMNAT2 for short.
It works by potentially blocking certain processes linked to the development of dementia. It may protect neurons and fight misfolded proteins that accumulate in the brain.
The most common form of Dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease.
You suffer with thinking and memory problems along with confusion and changes in mood and behavior.
Over 47 million people worldwide have dementia and that number is predicted to increase to 115 million by 2050.
I want you to take steps to protect your brain health so here are my prescriptions:
- Be physically active. Exercise increases blood flow to the area in the brain that’s responsible for memory.
- Reduce stress and get to the root of any depression. Otherwise you’ll be more likely to suffer with cognitive problems later on.
- Take Care of Your Heart. Quit smoking, cut back on salt, and watch your alcohol intake.
- Keep Your Mind Active. Stimulate your brain by playing card games or solving puzzles.
More research is needed to understand the role of caffeine and its potentially protective enzyme.
You can take up to 400 milligrams of caffeine safely a day. But don’t drink three or four cups of coffee or strong tea in a short amount of time.
Otherwise you may cause serious neurologic and cardiac effects. And there are no known antidotes for excess caffeine intake.
