Could caffeine worsen symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease?

Researchers from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB; Spain) and Karolinska Institutet (Solna, Sweden) have revealed that long-term consumption of caffeine could lead to negative effects for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), potentially worsening the neuropsychiatric symptoms appearing in those affected by the disorder. Although memory problems are hallmarks of AD, this dementia is also characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms called Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). Coffee or caffeine has recently been suggested as prophylaxis for dementia, both in patients with AD and in the normal ageing processes due to its action in blocking adenosine receptors – which may cause dysfunctions and...