Coffee and Your Brain - A Good Combination?
People are drinking more coffee worldwide, and research seems to show that increased coffee consumption could be helpful to our brains. Will it prevent dementia and the need for long-term care? Too early to tell.
People sure love their coffee. You see the coffee places all over. Starbucks and Duncan Donuts are selling coffee like crazy in the U.S. Even McDonald's promotes coffee. Many people start their day with coffee, and you are likely one of them.
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. Americans consume over 400 million cups of coffee per day. Coffee consumption is not limited to the United States. China and India are the two leading nations on the planet in coffee consumption, with the U.S. being number three.
In the U.S., the northeast was the leading region in coffee consumption in the United States, drinking roughly 1.97 cups of coffee per capita per day. The South drank the least, with about 1.8 cups a day.
Starbucks has been the leading seller of coffee in the United States, and for a while, they were the clear leader. Now premium coffee outlets like Starbucks are faced with competition from more traditional fast-food outlets like McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts, selling "cheaper, but almost as good, coffees." Now Duncan Donuts is the number two coffee outlet. No matter where you are getting your coffee … Americans, and people worldwide are drinking a lot of it.
All that coffee consumption is perhaps doing more than giving us a buzz of energy every morning. Caffeine from our morning coffee gives us the energy to start the day, but could it be doing more?
Coffee and Increased Brain Focus
Research shows that as we reach for that second and third cup of coffee every day, it might be helping our brain. Researchers in Portugal say people who regularly drink coffee are more alert and see more activity in their brains. For more coffee types, visit Coffee and Tea.
University of Minho research indicates that consuming more caffeine daily can make coffee drinkers more focused while displaying more significant memory and learning abilities.
The research shows that the effects on the brain can be immediate. Results show that non-coffee drinkers could start seeing benefits for a short time after a single cup of coffee. Those drinking their caffeinated coffee were also less likely to let their minds wander, allowing them to focus throughout the day better. You can visit sipcoffeehouse.com for information on how to brew a perfect cup of coffee.
Coffee and Decreased Risk of Dementia
Caffeine has well-known short-term stimulating effects on the central nervous system, but research has shown moderate coffee drinkers had a 65%-70% decreased risk of dementia and a 62%-64% reduced risk of Alzheimer's compared with low coffee drinkers.
Previous studies have shown that coffee drinking improves our mental performance and may reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease.
All of this can be important as we live in an aging society. Our bodies and health decline with age. Our risk of memory loss and dementia increases as we get older. Alzheimer's and other dementia is a leading causes of people needing long-term health care.
Dementia Care is Costly
The financial impact of dementia is tremendous as health insurance, and Medicare won't pay for most long-term health care. Medicaid will pay for long-term care only if you have little or no income and assets. Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for long-term care services, but you cannot purchase a policy when you need the care - it must be obtained when you are younger and healthier.
According to the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator, long-term health care costs are rising rapidly nationwide - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News.
Drink More Coffee?
Should you go drink more coffee? Be careful, as too much caffeine can be detrimental. Plus, the research is not yet conclusive on whether coffee will prevent dementia.
You can plan for your future retirement by including a Long-Term Care Insurance policy in your retirement plan. A policy will not prevent you from needing care but will give you access to your choice of quality care options, including in-home care.
Go grab a cup of coffee and do some research. Being prepared for the costs and burdens of aging will protect savings and reduce the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on those you love.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
Long-term health care is a significant financial problem since the costs of care services are rising sharply nationwide. Few of us can afford an additional bill of $4000 a month or more today - much less the $8000 or more monthly in the decades ahead.
The solution many people have found is affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. Before saying it is too expensive, think again and get the facts. LTC Insurance is custom-designed, and premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s. Getting LTC Insurance younger saves you a lot of money, and you have many more choices. This LTC NEWS resource will show you the cost of top plans based on age - How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost? | LTC News.
Long-Term Care Insurance means access to quality care. It also means choice. You get to choose the type of care, including care in your home. LTC Insurance also means income and asset protection. Care costs are exploding nationwide - your guaranteed tax-free benefits will ease the financial stress.
LTC Insurance also means your loved ones will have the time to be family instead of being your caregiver. But don't delay. LTC Insurance is medically underwritten, so your health today impacts your premium and your ability to get coverage. Your good health today is a reason to act and not delay.
Have Questions About Long-Term Care Planning?
You might have questions about long-term health care planning, and LTC NEWS provides the answers for many of the most asked questions here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News. Find all the resources available on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Find the cost of care where you live by using the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News.
Get Expert Guidance
Long-term care is very specialized, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Find a specialist who represents the top companies, as premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies. Leading specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance.
A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price.
Loved Ones Need Help Now?
Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
If your parent or parents need help be sure to get them quality care. LTC NEWS can help. We have put together several comprehensive guides to help you in your process.
Start by reading our guides -
- Finding Quality In-Home Care | LTC News
- Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs) | LTC News
- Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities | LTC News
- Finding a Quality Nursing Home | LTC News
Advantages of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. Mike Banner, LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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