Caffeine Cuts Hippocampal Grey Matter in 20-Volunteer Study, Reversing After 10 Days
Updated
Updated · Futura · May 11
Caffeine Cuts Hippocampal Grey Matter in 20-Volunteer Study, Reversing After 10 Days
2 articles · Updated · Futura · May 11
A 20-volunteer study in Cerebral Cortex found caffeine intake temporarily reduced grey matter, especially in the hippocampus, a brain region tied to memory and learning.
Researchers said the change did not appear to stem from disrupted sleep, suggesting caffeine itself directly altered brain structure during the test period.
After 10 days without caffeine, participants’ brain structure returned to normal, and the study found no evidence of lasting harm to cognitive abilities.
The findings add nuance to caffeine research, which has also linked moderate coffee consumption to possible neuroprotective benefits and lower risks of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
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