Abstract
Caffeine and neurodegenerative diseases
- Provincial Clinical Hospital No. 2 named after St. Jadwiga the Queen in Rzeszów, Poland; Kliniczny Szpital Wojewódzki Nr 2 im. Św. Jadwigi Królowej w Rzeszowie, Polska
- St. Vincent de Paul Hospital, Gdynia, Poland; Szpital św. Wincentego a Paulo, Gdynia, Polska
- Dr Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, Poland; Szpital Uniwersytecki nr 2 im. dr Jana Biziela, Bydgoszcz, Polska
- Provincial Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Department of Ophthalmology, Poland; Wojewódzki Szpital Specjalistyczny we Wrocławiu, Oddział Okulistyczny, Polska
- Department of Cardiology, PIM MSWiA, Warsaw, Poland; Klinika Kardiologii, PIM MSWiA, Warszawa, Polska
- Department of Orthodontics and Masticatory Organ Dysfunction, University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Poland; Klinika Ortodoncji i Dysfunkcji Narządu Żucia, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Poznaniu, Polska
- Jan Mikulicz-Radecki University Clinical Hospital in Wrocław, Poland; Uniwersytecki Szpital Kliniczny im. Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego we Wrocławiu, Polska
- Consultative Prosthodontics Department, Provincial Dental Clinic named after Dr. Zbigniew Żak, MD, in Krakow, Poland; Konsultacyjna Poradnia Protetyki Stomatologicznej, Wojewódzka Przychodnia Stomatologiczna im. dr. n. med. Zbigniewa Żaka w Krakowie, Polska
Objectives
This review aims to summarise current scientific findings regarding the effects of caffeine on the central nervous system. Caffeine may exert beneficial effects on neurological health, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Studies suggest that caffeine may slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases by reducing the accumulation of amyloid proteins and alpha-synuclein, characteristic of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Caffeine may also reduce oxidative stress and counteract inflammatory mechanisms leading to neuronal damage. Furthermore, regular caffeine consumption may improve cognitive functions, including concentration and memory, particularly in older adults.
Literature review
The literature review was conducted using scientific publications from 2016 to 2023, accessed via PubMed, MDPI, and IARC, and focused on selected keywords. Earlier studies were also consulted to provide a comprehensive characterisation of caffeine. The cited literature is based on research conducted by institutions worldwide, examining the neurological and psychiatric effects of caffeine and coffee.
Conclusions
Caffeine consumption demonstrates potential health benefits, particularly in neuroprotection and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. However, significant gaps remain regarding the mechanisms of caffeine action and its interactions with other coffee constituents. Further research is required to more precisely define caffeine’s role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases and to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects.
Keywords
neurodegeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, MS, caffeine, stimulant
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