Drinking coffee may help protect against cognitive decline in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
This study offers new insights into the effects of coffee on brain health, particularly in individuals with AFib, a common heart condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
AFib is the most frequent heart rhythm disorder in adults, impacting over 5 million people in the United States alone. It can cause symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fatigue.
Additionally, AFib is linked to an increased risk of dementia, a condition that affects memory and thinking abilities. For years, there have been myths about coffee worsening AFib, but this study suggests otherwise.
Dr. Jürg H. Beer, one of the study's senior authors and a professor at the University of Zürich in Switzerland, emphasized that coffee consumption appears safe for people with AFib and may even have cognitive benefits. "There's no reason to discourage coffee," he said. "Enjoy it -- it might be good for your brain."
The research comes from the Swiss Atrial Fibrillation Cohort Study (Swiss-AF), which tracked over 2,400 people in Switzerland diagnosed with AFib.
Participants, aged 73 on average, reported how much coffee they drank in the past year, ranging from less than one cup daily to more than five cups.
They also completed a series of cognitive tests measuring skills like memory, attention, and coordination. Researchers further analyzed markers of inflammation, as both AFib and dementia are associated with chronic inflammation.
Key Findings
The results showed that drinking coffee was associated with better cognitive performance:
Interestingly, these associations held true regardless of participants' age, sex, or other factors like smoking, body weight, and physical activity.
Researchers believe that coffee's active ingredients, including caffeine, magnesium, and vitamin B3 (niacin), may play a role in reducing inflammation and protecting the brain.
Additionally, coffee may help decrease chemicals in the body that trigger inflammation, which is known to contribute to both heart and brain issues.
What This Means
The findings suggest that coffee could offer cognitive benefits for people with AFib by reducing inflammation and supporting brain health.
However, the study does not prove that coffee directly prevents dementia or cognitive decline. Instead, it highlights a possible link that should be explored further in long-term studies.
Dr. José A. Joglar, a professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, cautioned against drawing firm conclusions. "We can't say coffee prevents dementia, but it doesn't seem to harm AFib patients either," he explained.
The study was observational, meaning it measured coffee consumption and cognitive ability at the same time, making it impossible to determine cause and effect.
Limitations
Several factors limit the study's conclusions. For example:
Despite these limitations, the study builds on previous research suggesting that coffee can enhance cognitive performance and reduce dementia risk. It aligns with U.S. dietary guidelines, which state that three to five cups of plain black coffee per day can be part of a healthy diet.
However, people should be cautious about high-calorie coffee drinks, as added sugars and fats can outweigh any potential health benefits.
Long-term studies are needed to confirm whether coffee truly protects against cognitive decline in people with AFib. Future research may also explore the specific components of coffee that provide these benefits.
For now, the findings suggest that moderate coffee consumption is not only safe for people with AFib but could be a simple way to support brain health.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about dietary strategies to ward off dementia, and how omega-3 fatty acids fuel your mind.
For more health information, please see recent studies about Choline deficiency linked to Alzheimer's disease, and what to eat (and avoid) for dementia prevention.