For many of us, coffee is the ritual that opens the day. Whether it’s a quick espresso in Bratislava on the way to work or a slow filtered morning at home, coffee accompanies us at key moments. However, recent scientific data from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that this popular beverage isn’t just about a caffeine kick, but represents an important tool in the long-term protection of our brains.

Extensive research with a clear result

A study published in February 2026 in the prestigious professional journal JAMA produced groundbreaking findings. Researchers analyzed data from more than 130,000 participants whose health and eating habits were tracked for a whopping 43 years. Such a long time horizon allowed the researchers to eliminate short-term fluctuations and focus on the true impact of long-term coffee consumption on cognitive health.

The main finding is that people who regularly consume 2 to 3 cups of caffeinated coffee a day have an 18% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who drink no or minimal coffee. This benefit was not only seen in the diagnosis of dementia, but also in subjective perceptions of memory loss or in objective tests of cognitive function.

Key parameters and research data

The study relied on data from two massive projects: the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Thanks to nearly half a century of follow-up, researchers were able to identify correlations that disappear in short-term studies.

• Sample: 131 821 persons.
• Length of follow-up: Up to 43 years.
• Incidence of dementia: 11,033 participants developed dementia during the study.
• The main result: regular consumption of 2-3 cups of caffeinated coffee a day reduces the risk of dementia by 18% compared to non-drinkers.

The research confirmed that coffee drinkers also performed significantly better on objective tests of overall cognitive function. The benefit was equally evident in both men and women.

Biological mechanisms: why caffeine works

The study highlights that the protective effect is due to caffeine in combination with bioactive substances. In fact, decaffeinated coffee did not show a similar risk reduction.

1. Polyphenols: These antioxidants reduce cellular damage and chronic inflammation, which is a major trigger of neurodegenerative changes.
2. Caffeine as a neuroprotector: it acts on adenosine receptors in the brain, thereby not only temporarily increasing alertness, but in the long term probably protecting neurons from degradation.
3. Genetic resistance: the results were consistent even in individuals with a high genetic predisposition to develop Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that coffee may be an effective intervention tool regardless of heritability.

Specialty coffee as the basis for a healthy lifestyle

At Goriffee, we place emphasis on making sure that the coffee we roast in our Bratislava roastery is not only tasty, but also pure. The specialty coffee undergoes strict quality control processes. Unlike commercial coffees, where beneficial substances are often lost due to poor quality beans or aggressive roasting, Specialty coffee retains its maximum natural potential.

When you drink coffee with a clear origin, you can be sure that you are not consuming beans with defects or moulds that could put unnecessary strain on the body. The pure profile of the coffees from Ethiopia, Colombia or Brazil that you will find in our range is the ideal way to meet the recommended daily dose for your brain health.

Prevention that has a taste

Dementia and cognitive decline are challenges that more and more people are facing. As treatment options are increasingly limited after the onset of symptoms, prevention through diet and lifestyle becomes key. According to the study authors, coffee may be “one piece of the puzzle” in healthy ageing.

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate those 2 to 3 cups of top quality into your day, try our freshly roasted beans. Whether you prefer fruitier tastes for filter or more conservative notes for espresso, investing in quality coffee is ultimately an investment in your health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the optimal amount of coffee? The study defines the optimal range at 2 – 3 cups per day. Higher consumption showed no negative effects on the brain, but the most significant statistical benefit was in this range.

Is there a difference between coffee and tea? Yeah. The study found that tea has similar neuroprotective effects when consumed 1-2 cups per day, again confirming the role of caffeine and specific antioxidants.

Can milk and sugar in coffee reduce its benefits? Although the study primarily focused on coffee volume, the general scientific consensus suggests that high sugar intake increases inflammatory processes in the body, which may counteract the benefits of coffee itself.

Does this also apply to instant coffee? The research analysed the consumption of caffeinated coffee regardless of the preparation method, but the highest bioactive content is naturally found in freshly ground coffee beans.