Report Discusses Potential Role Of Coffee In Reducing Risk Of Alzheimer's And Parkinson's

A new report from the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) highlights the potential role of coffee consumption in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases^1-3.

For the first time in history most people can expect to live into their 60s and beyond, however with increasing age, the risk of disease and disabilities rises^4,5. The number affected with Alzheimer's disease is estimated to increase globally from today's 47 million to 75 million 2030 and to 132 million in 2050⁶.

Parkinson's disease, the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder, affects 7 million people globally⁷. Research has suggested that lifestyle may be an important part of the risk for neurodegenerative conditions for which there is currently no curative treatment^8-10.

The new report, authored by Associate Professor Elisabet Rothenberg, Kristianstad University, discusses the role of dietary components, including coffee and caffeine, in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.

The report considers the mechanisms involved in the positive associations between coffee and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases which are not yet well understood. The role of caffeine and other plant-based compounds present in coffee such as phytochemicals and polyphenols are of particular academic interest^11-13.

Key research findings highlighted in the report include:

• Dietary pattern may have an impact on the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders^5,6
• Coffee consumption may help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative conditions or relieve symptoms^1-3
• Considering PD, men might benefit more from coffee consumption than women possibly because oestrogen may compete with caffeine^9,10
• Further research is required for better understanding of the associations^11-13

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About ISIC

The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) is a not-for-profit organization, established in 1990 and devoted to the study and disclosure of science related to "coffee and health." Since 2003 ISIC also supports a pan-European education programme, working in partnership with national coffee associations in nine countries to convey current scientific knowledge on "coffee and health" to health care professionals.

ISIC's activities are focused on:

• the study of scientific matters related to "coffee and health"
• the collection and evaluation of studies and scientific information about "coffee and health"
• the support of independent scientific research on "coffee and health"
• active dissemination of balanced "coffee and health" scientific research and knowledge to a broad range of stakeholders.

ISIC respects scientific research ethics in all its activities. ISIC's communications are based on sound science and rely on scientific studies derived from peer-reviewed scientific journals and other publications.

ISIC members are six of the major European coffee companies: illycaffè, Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Lavazza, Nestlé, Paulig, and Tchibo.

About coffeeandhealth.org

The website http://www.coffeeandhealth.org is a science-based resource developed for health care and other professional audiences and provides the latest information and research into coffee, caffeine and health.

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