Drink too much
Coffee may have brain-protective properties in moderation, but drinking too much can also be harmful.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for healthy adults, 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered safe.
So let's stick to that amount or less (note that you also need to take into account the caffeine you may get from other sources, such as tea, energy drinks, and chocolate).
Do not drink too late in the day
A cup of coffee late in the day can leave you too jittery to fall asleep. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it stays in your bloodstream long after you drink it.
Poor sleep is bad for the brain health of older adults, leading to problems with concentration and reaction time. Sleep deprivation can even increase the buildup of beta-amyloid, a protein in the brain that has been linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, we should avoid caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime.
Don't drink too much sugar
If you drink sweet coffee, you may not be doing your brain any favors. Excessive sugar consumption in older adults has been linked to poor cognitive function.
Chronic high blood sugar can shrink the brain, affecting the brain's functional connectivity and leading to small vessel disease.
According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day, and women should consume 6 teaspoons or less.
