Could caffeine be used to treat Alzheimer's?

July 6, 2009 Two new studies are adding to the evidence that coffee consumption may help treat or even prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Researchers at the University of Florida say this means caffeine in coffee could be used as an effective treatment for Alzheimer's.

But there's a catch. Humans would have to drink five 8 ounce cups of ordinary coffee every day.

Scientists say it is not clear if the caffeine would work for everyone or just people who are at higher risk of Alzheimer's.

More research is now expected.

The study appears in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.