The effects of caffeine on memory are not known since yesterday.Regular consumption of caffeine permanently modifies the molecular functioning of cells in the hippocampus, the seat of memory in the brain. This results in greater neuronal plasticity, which can facilitate learning and improve memory.supports Inserm.
Now, a new study goes further, showing that the effects of caffeine can play out within 24 hours. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University conducted a groundbreaking study in which participants were given a caffeine pill. The results, published in the journal Nature Neuroscienceallow us to affirm that caffeine would promote the consolidation of memory.
A double-blind trial
The study was a double-blind trial in which participants who did not regularly eat or drink caffeine-containing products were given either a placebo or a 200-milligram caffeine tablet five minutes after studying a series of images.
The next day, both groups were tested on their ability to recognize images from the previous day’s study session. During the test, some visuals were identical to those from the previous day, others were new, and still others were similar but not identical.
As a result, many of the participants given caffeine were able to correctly identify the new images as “similar” to the previously viewed images rather than mistakenly citing them as identical.
“Caffeine improved the consolidation of long-term memories”
Following these findings, the researchers said that “Caffeine enhanced the consolidation of long-term memories in humans.”
The study’s lead author also added: “We have always known that caffeine has stimulating effects on cognitive functions, but its specific effects on memory strengthening and resistance to forgetting have never been studied in detail in humans. We report for the first time a specific effect of caffeine on the reduction of forgetting over 24 hours.”
Source: www.topsante.com
