Dose-Response Relationships of Tea,Coffee,and Alcohol Consumption With Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Analysis Based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS)

Abstract

This study examined the associations of tea, coffee, and alcohol consumption with cognitive function in Chinese adults aged ≥45 years (n = 1326), using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997-2006). Multiple linear regression assessed associations with global cognitive scores. Generalized additive models and piecewise linear regression evaluated nonlinear dose-response relationships for tea. Results demonstrated a significant positive association between tea intake and cognitive score, exhibiting a nonlinear relationship. The range of significant benefit corresponded to a log-transformed tea intake of 0.71–2.12 (approximately 2–8 cups/day), with an inflection point at log = 1.61 (∼5 cups/day). No significant associations were found for coffee or alcohol intake. These findings indicate that moderate tea consumption, particularly around 5 cups/day, may support cognitive health maintenance as a feasible dietary strategy.