Dive Brief:

• Researchers found that caffeine blocks a receptor in the brain that is linked to memory impairments related to aging, according to a study published in Nature.
• This blocking action helps reduce memory- and stress-related memory loss.
• Researchers believe there is therapeutic potential for using caffeine to help treat memory-related problems in older adults or those affected with a cognitive disorder.

Dive Insight:

As baby boomers get older, the population of older adults in America is increasing rapidly, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2050, the population aged 65 and over is projected at 83.7 million, almost twice the 43.1 million people in that age group in 2012. 

While many health complications can arise as people age, Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia that causes problems with memory loss, is much more common for people who are older than 65, according to the Alzheimer's Association. This is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80% of all cases. The number of Alzheimer's patients is projected to triple by the year 2050. Currently, there is no cure.

While it is difficult to pull conclusive proof of anything from one study, researchers feel confident of the link caffeine and memory-loss prevention. This research highlights the potential for developing caffeine- or coffee-related products targeting an aging population with the goal of preventing memory loss.

Not that baby boomers don't already consume coffee. According to the National Coffee Association’s trends survey for 2016, that generation drinks the most of the caffeinated beverage. But younger generations are getting into the habit as well. Daily consumption of espresso-based beverages has nearly tripled since 2008, primarily due to the habits of a younger generation eager to experiment with coffee beverages.