In October 2018 researchers from Switzerland and Sweden published the results of their study to assess the impact of coffee, wine and chocolate consumption on cognitive outcome in the elderly. A total of 145 community-based elderly individuals, aged between 69-86 years, were included in the study. Information on the consumption of coffee, wine and chocolate was self-reported. All individuals had good cognitive function. Each individual underwent two neuropsychological assessments during a 3-year follow-up period and brain MRIs. Results showed that a moderate consumption of caffeine was related to better cognitive outcome whereas an increased consumption of wine appeared to be related to cognitive decline. In addition, the MRIs showed that a low consumption of wine and also moderate to heavy coffee drinking was associated with better white matter preservation in the brain as well as better blood-flow.
Haller S et al. Impact of Coffee, Wine, and Chocolate Consumption on Cognitive Outcome and MRI Parameters in Old Age. Nutrients. 2018 Oct 1;10(10). pii: E1391.