Regular coffee consumption may boost cognitive performance in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a study published online in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The research, led by Dr. Massimo Barbagallo from University Hospital Zurich, explored the potential relationship between coffee intake and cognitive health in this high-risk population.

The study assessed daily coffee consumption through a structured nutrition questionnaire and evaluated cognitive function using a comprehensive neurocognitive test battery. This method allowed researchers to combine results from various cognitive tests into a single performance indicator for accuracy.

The findings revealed a positive correlation between coffee consumption and cognitive scores. Participants who consumed more than five cups of coffee daily scored −0.10 on cognitive construct tests, compared to −0.24 for those consuming less than one cup a day. Similarly, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score showed a slight improvement in the high-intake group, averaging 25.25 compared to 24.58 in the reference group.

Interestingly, the study also observed a decline in inflammatory markers with higher coffee consumption. While the reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels was not statistically significant, the decrease in interleukin-6 was noteworthy, suggesting that coffee's anti-inflammatory properties might play a role in its cognitive benefits.

The researchers emphasized the importance of moderation, suggesting that three to five cups daily may offer the most benefit. "Further studies are required to confirm an optimal exposure of three to five cups daily in this elderly population with AF. Coffee consumption in elderly patients with AF should not be discouraged," the authors wrote.

These findings highlight coffee's potential as a simple dietary intervention to support cognitive health in elderly individuals with atrial fibrillation, offering hope for managing cognitive decline in this vulnerable group.