Moderate Caffeine Intake and Verbal Memory in Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

Research has shown that caffeine enhances vigilance, attention, and mood. This study assessed whether caffeine intake has a positive effect on memory, processing speed, and emotional well-being in multiple sclerosis (MS). Sixty-three patients with confirmed MS were placed in two groups based on daily caffeine intake. Participants were administered cognitive and emotional measures, including measures of verbal memory, processing speed, and a self-report inventory of depression, as part of a screening battery for a larger clinical trial. On a measure of verbal memory, participants with MS who consumed two or more cups of daily caffeine outperformed those consuming less caffeine. No differences were found on processing speed or self-report of depressive symptoms. Our results suggest that moderate caffeine intake may enhance verbal memory in MS

Mood rhythmicity is associated with depressive symptoms and caffeinated drinks consumption in South American young adults

Among the factors that contribute to the onset and maintenance of depressive disorders, rhythmicity of symptoms and consumption of caffeine have recently gained attention. The current study aimed to examine the differential rhythmicity of relevant variables in a sample of young participants, considering the presence of depressive symptomatology and the frequency of caffeinated drinks consumption. A significant 24-hour differential rhythmicity of mood, cognitive and physiological variables was found indicating an evening peak pattern in the participants with depressive symptoms. Interestingly, caffeinated drinks consumption was differentially associated with self-perceived peaks, according to the presence of depressive symptomatology. Our findings are among the first reports about the potential association of the 24-hours rhythmicity of relevant mood-related variables, depressive symptoms, and caffeine intake. These results support the view that the identification of risk factors for depression, and the application of novel measurements and analysis methods in the development of new preventive strategies should be a public health priority.</p