Coffee drinkers had less dementia, but it is only a link

1Coffee drinkers had lower dementia rates in a long study

The problem. Many people wonder if everyday habits, like a morning coffee, affect memory in later life. News about food and the brain is hard to judge, because a link is not always a cause.

What they found. Researchers followed American adults for up to 43 years. Among people who drank more caffeinated coffee, there were 141 dementia cases a year per 100,000 people. Among people who rarely or never drank it, the figure was 330. The best results were linked to 2 to 3 cups a day. Decaf did not show the same link.

Try this. Next time a headline promises a health benefit, look for the words "linked to" and notice what the study could not prove.

How sure is this? One long study that followed people over time. It shows a link, not proof. Other differences between coffee drinkers and others may explain it.

Source: ScienceDaily¹

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2A psychologist suggests small tests for fears about change

The problem. Many people want to change a long-held habit or part of their personality. But they fear losing what the old way gave them, and that fear can keep them stuck.

What they found. Clinical psychologist Shannon Sauer-Zavala argues that small experiments can test fears about change. People first name one behaviour they want to change and what they fear will happen. Then they test that guess in a small way. One example is choosing where to eat next time they plan dinner with a friend.

Try this. Pick one small thing you usually avoid, like suggesting where to eat, and notice what actually happens afterwards.

How sure is this? This is one psychologist's advice, and the article cites no study. One small test is unlikely to change a deep habit on its own.

Source: Psychology Today²

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3Runners stopped to help others in two big marathons

The problem. Marathons are a race against the clock, and every second can feel precious. Yet some runners still stop to help a stranger who is struggling.

What they found. World Athletics named two marathon moments among three finalists for its Fair Play Award. In Sydney, Australian Paralympian Michael Roeger, 38, missed four drink stations, and another runner shared what she was carrying. In Boston, two runners held up student Ajay Haridasse, 21, after he collapsed near the end. All three finished within 10 seconds.

“That’s the camaraderie in a marathon”

Michael Roeger, Australian Paralympian

Try this. Send a short thank-you message to someone who helped you recently. Notice how it feels to say it.

How sure is this? This is a race story, not a study. Reports differ on which runner shared drinks in Sydney.

Source: Marathon Handbook³

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