According to a study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, a dose of caffeine after a learning session may help boost long-term memory retention. The research team, led by Daniel Borota of the John Hopkins University in Baltimore notes that according to many studies in the past, caffeine has been established as a cognitive enhancer but they did not specifically entail if it can impact long-term memory.
Hence, the researchers investigated 160 participants who are ages 18 to 30 years old. The trial started when the participants were shown pictures of different objects and were asked to identify them as indoor or outdoor items. After that, they were randomized to receive either 200 mg of caffeine in the form of a pill or a tablet which has no caffeine content (placebo pill).
One day after, the participants were shown the same pictures and some were new ones. They were asked whether the photos were old, new or similar to the old ones. They found out that the participants who took in caffeine were better at identifying photos that were similar, compared to those who had taken the placebo pill. Yet both groups were able to identify whether the photos were old or new.
After that, further investigation and experiments were conducted. They used 100 mg and 300 mg of caffeine and revealed that performance was better when they used the 200 mg dose compared to the other doses. The authors concluded, "Thus, we conclude that a dose of at least 200 mg is required to observe the enhancing effect of caffeine on consolidation of memory."
The scientists say that there are many other possibilities why caffeine can enhance long-term memory. They believe that it can block a molecule called adenosine. It prevents adenosine from stopping the function of norepinerphrine which is a hormone shown to have positive effects on memory.
However, the researchers recommend to conduct further research on the topic in order to provide further understanding on the mechanisms by which caffeine can affect long-term memory.
"Given the widespread use of caffeine and the growing interest in its effects both as a cognitive enhancer and as a neuroprotectant, these questions are of critical importance," they added.
There are many health benefits of caffeine to the body including reducing the risk of liver disease, and a study says it can actually reduce the risk for suicide.
