Drinking up to six cups of tea a day may cut the risk of dementia - while drinking more than 13 can increase it.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong team said each extra cup “significantly decreased grey matter” in the brain, which “indicates over-drinking tea might lead to a decline in language and memory functions.”
They added: “Our results shed light on a novel possible mechanism of tea intake to increase the risk [of Alzheimer’s] by reducing brain volume.” However, they also found one to six cups of tea a day may actually cut the risk of dementia.
The Chinese study warned of an Alzheimer’s crisis due to aging populations. It said: “Approximately 55 million people live with AD or related forms of dementia worldwide.
“By 2050, one in 85 will be living with Alzheimer’s worldwide, escalating the risk of disability, the burden of illness, and healthcare costs.”
