Scientists talk about the negative effects of caffeine on memory and brain function
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Scientists from the University Psychiatric Hospital Basel and the University of Zurich examined the effects of regular caffeine consumption on cognitive performance. Despite the popular belief that drinking coffee helps you stay awake and alert, experts have concluded that it can harm your brain function in the long term. The results of the study were published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports.
Study participants were tested in three phases: drinking a moderate dose of caffeine for 10 days, taking a placebo instead of caffeine for the same period, and avoiding caffeine for 36 hours after nine days of regular caffeine consumption. The sequence of stages was randomized for each participant and included pure caffeine rather than caffeine dissolved in drinks.
The cognitive abilities of the participants were assessed using tests for concentration, psychomotor skills and working memory, which is responsible for temporary storage and rapid processing of information. The assessment measured both error rate and reaction time on tasks. In addition, the participants’ brain activity was analyzed using functional MRI.
The results of the study showed that daily consumption of caffeine in moderate doses can negatively affect brain function and memory, leading to more frequent errors and longer reaction times. Functional analysis using fMRI also indicated that neural activity in the brain under the influence of caffeine did not correspond to the cognitive functions involved.
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