Green Tea Linked to Fewer Brain Lesions Associated with Dementia: New Study Highlights Cognitive Benefits
Green tea, long celebrated for its numerous health benefits, has been linked to reduced brain lesions associated with dementia, according to a recent study from Japan published in npj Science of Food. This groundbreaking research underscores green tea’s potential to support brain health and mitigate cognitive decline as we age.
Study Overview
The study investigated nearly 9,000 older adults from the Japan Prospective Studies Collaboration for Aging and Dementia between 2016 and 2018. Participants reported their green tea and coffee consumption through a Food Frequency Questionnaire and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess cerebral white matter lesions, hippocampal volume, and total brain volume.
After accounting for various sociodemographic, medical, and lifestyle factors, the researchers found that participants who drank more green tea had significantly fewer white matter lesions—markers often linked to dementia. However, no such association was observed with coffee consumption.
Green Tea’s Neuroprotective Properties
Green tea contains high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which are believed to combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and inhibit the aggregation of beta-amyloid proteins. These properties may contribute to its neuroprotective effects.
Dr. Steven Allder, a consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health who was not involved in the study, commented:
“The observed link between green tea and fewer cerebral lesions highlights its potential as a preventive strategy against age-related cognitive decline. However, confounding variables like lifestyle and dietary habits may contribute to these outcomes.”
Interestingly, the study found that green tea’s benefits did not extend to individuals with the APOE e4 allele—a genetic risk factor for dementia—or those with depression. Researchers speculate that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in these groups may counteract green tea’s protective effects.
Limitations and Future Directions
The study’s cross-sectional design prevents establishing causation. Additionally, researchers could not assess how the tea was brewed or if it was consumed in conjunction with other foods. Future research is needed to confirm these findings across diverse populations and explore green tea’s impact on long-term cognitive health.
Practical Implications
While excessive green tea consumption (over 3–4 cups daily) may lead to side effects like insomnia or gastrointestinal distress, moderate intake appears to offer numerous health benefits. As the study authors conclude:
“Given that cerebral white matter lesions are closely related to vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, our findings indicate that drinking green tea, especially three or more glasses per day, may help prevent dementia.”
These findings further highlight green tea’s potential as a simple, accessible dietary choice for preserving cognitive health and reducing dementia risk.
Image Credits: pvproductions on Freepik
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