Coffee Tea Dementia Risk: What New JAMA Research Reveals

A fresh wave of research is putting two of the world’s most-loved drinks—coffee and tea—back into the brain health spotlight.

According to a new study published in JAMA on February 10, 2026, adults who regularly consume coffee and tea appear to have a lower dementia risk and better cognitive outcomes compared with those who drink little or none. The findings don’t claim these beverages prevent dementia, but they add growing weight to the idea that everyday habits may play a role in how our brains age.

For millions of people in the United States—and tea lovers across the UK—this research turns a familiar daily ritual into a moment of reflection: could what’s in your mug matter more than you think?

What the JAMA study found, in plain English

The new JAMA paper analyzed long-term health data from adults tracked over several years. Researchers looked at regular coffee and tea consumption and compared it with later-life cognitive outcomes, including memory, thinking skills, and dementia diagnoses.

The key takeaway was simple but compelling:

People who consistently drank coffee or tea tended to show a lower risk of dementia and slightly better cognitive performance over time.

This association held even after researchers adjusted for factors such as age, education level, smoking status, physical activity, and other lifestyle variables.

Importantly, the study did not suggest that coffee or tea alone can prevent dementia. Instead, it showed a statistical relationship—a pattern worth paying attention to, especially as dementia rates continue to rise globally.

You can explore the original publication through JAMA, a leading peer-reviewed medical journal:
👉 https://jamanetwork.com/

Why coffee tea dementia risk is a big deal right now

Dementia affects more than 6 million people in the United States, and that number is expected to grow as the population ages, according to the CDC. In the UK, dementia remains one of the leading causes of death, with similar concerns raised by the NHS.

That’s why research into modifiable lifestyle factors—things people can realistically change—has become a major focus in brain health science.

Unlike expensive supplements or complex interventions, coffee and tea are already part of daily life for most adults:

In the US, coffee is deeply woven into morning routines, work culture, and social life.
In the UK, tea remains a cultural cornerstone, often associated with comfort, conversation, and calm.

When studies link such familiar habits to brain health, they resonate far beyond academic circles.

Association does not mean cause (and why that matters)

One of the most important points in understanding this research is the difference between association and causation.

This JAMA study shows that coffee and tea consumption is associated with lower dementia risk—but it does not prove that these drinks directly prevent dementia.

Here’s what that means in real life:

It’s possible that people who drink coffee or tea also have other healthy habits (such as staying socially active or mentally engaged).
The drinks themselves may play a role, but they are likely one piece of a much bigger puzzle.
Genetics, sleep, physical activity, diet, education, and cardiovascular health all strongly influence dementia risk.

Medical authorities like the CDC and NHS consistently emphasize that dementia prevention is multifactorial—not dependent on a single food or beverage.

More context on dementia risk factors is available here:
👉 CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/dementia
👉 NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/

What might explain the link between coffee, tea, and brain health?

Although this particular study focused on outcomes rather than mechanisms, previous research offers several possible explanations for the observed coffee tea dementia risk relationship.

1. Caffeine and alertness pathways

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and may help maintain alertness, attention, and reaction time. Over long periods, this stimulation might support cognitive resilience.

2. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

Both coffee and tea contain bioactive compounds—such as polyphenols and flavonoids—that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, processes linked to brain aging.

3. Blood flow and vascular health

Brain health is closely tied to heart and blood vessel health. Some compounds in coffee and tea may support healthy blood flow, indirectly benefiting the brain.

Again, these are plausible explanations, not confirmed causes—but they help explain why researchers keep returning to these everyday drinks.

Why this matters for everyday people, not just scientists

The real power of this research lies in its relatability.

You don’t need a lab or a prescription to engage with these findings. You’re likely already drinking coffee or tea—or considering cutting back.

For adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, this study adds to a growing message: brain health is shaped over decades, not just in old age. Small, consistent habits may matter more than dramatic changes later in life.

For those caring for aging parents, the findings may spark conversations about lifestyle, routines, and quality of life—without fear or pressure.

And for older adults, it’s a reminder that enjoying simple pleasures can still fit into a health-conscious life.

US coffee culture vs UK tea culture: same message, different mugs

In the United States, coffee dominates. From home brewers to drive-through cups and office machines, coffee is often tied to productivity and pace.

In the United Kingdom, tea is more than a beverage—it’s a ritual. Black tea with milk, afternoon breaks, and social tea moments are deeply ingrained.

The JAMA findings don’t favor one culture over the other. Instead, they suggest that both coffee and tea may be compatible with healthy cognitive aging when consumed regularly and in moderation.

That cultural flexibility makes the message easier to adopt on both sides of the Atlantic.

What this research does not say

To keep expectations realistic, it’s worth being clear about what this study does not claim:

It does not say you should start drinking coffee or tea if you dislike them.
It does not recommend high caffeine intake.
It does not replace medical advice or dementia screening.
It does not suggest these drinks cure or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Health organizations like the CDC and NHS continue to stress balanced diets, physical activity, social engagement, and cardiovascular health as the foundations of brain health.

Want practical guidance, not just headlines?

If you’re wondering how coffee and tea might fit into a broader brain-healthy lifestyle, Eviida has created a dedicated Guidance article that turns research into real-world habits.

👉 Read next:
Coffee & Tea Brain Health Guide
https://eviida.com/coffee-tea-brain-health-guide/

This companion piece explores timing, moderation, individual sensitivity, and how these drinks interact with sleep, stress, and long-term wellbeing.

The bottom line

The latest JAMA research adds meaningful evidence to an ongoing conversation: everyday habits may influence how our brains age.

While coffee and tea are not magic shields against dementia, their association with lower dementia risk offers a reassuring message. Health-supportive choices don’t always have to be complicated or joyless.

Sometimes, they start with something as simple as your morning cup. ☕🫖

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personal health decisions, consult a qualified healthcare professional.