1

THE EFFECT OF CAFFEINE ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS

Student’s Name

Instructor’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Course

Date
 2

The Effect of Caffeine on Cognitive Functions

Undoubtedly, coffee is widely consumed around the world as a beverage. Recent research

has suggested that more than 80% of the global population take coffee either regularly or

otherwise. Evidently, coffee contains caffeine which is largely accepted as a stimulant. On that

note, it is essential to interrogate the effects of caffeine on cognitive functions. Being a widely

consumed commodity, it warrants the attention of scholars and researchers alike in determining

whether it has an antagonistic action on receptors, increasing alertness or suppressing feelings

thereof. This study paper interrogates and analyzes the effects of caffeine on cognitive functions.

Cognitive functions entail the mental ability of processing and applying knowledge or

information. As study conducted by Buye, (2019, found that caffeine is a psychoactive

substance. Caffeine is a cognitive enhancer. Also, it blocks adenosine receptors which are

neurotransmitters. Blocking these receptors result in improved cognitive performance. However,

the amount of caffeine consumed is a key factor in determining the level of cognitive

performance enhancing.

A study conducted by van Duinen, Lorist, & Zijdewind, (2005, established that caffeine

tends to increase various neurotransmitters including dopamine, acetylcholine and serotonins. In

so doing, it helps to reduce feelings of fatigue. As commonly known, fatigue tends to negatively

affect a person’s cognitive ability. By suppressing fatigue, caffeine tends to increase the level of

alertness and hence cognitive functions. It is essential to note that motor and cognitive

performance go hand in hand. Hence, improved motor performance ultimately leads to an

increase in cognitive performance. Similarly, Buye, (2019). .concluded that there is a positive

relationship between caffeine intake and cognitive performance. This is irrespective of any motor

fatigue.
 3

From the above analysis, it is only valid to conclude that caffeine is a cognitive

performance enhancer. Such enhance is promoted by increased motor activity and blocking of

adenosine receptors. On the contrary, there have been studies conducted on the negative effects

of caffeine as an addictive substance. Though it may hazardous to people’s health, its positive

effect on cognitive function and performance can never be overlooked.

 4

References

Buye, R. (2019). “Caffeine intake and cognitive functions. Psychopharmacology.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333658355_Effect_of_caffeine_on_cognitive_f

unctions

van Duinen, H., Lorist, M. M., & Zijdewind, I. (2005). The effect of caffeine on cognitive task

performance and motor fatigue. Psychopharmacology, 180(3), 539-547.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Monicque_Lorist/publication/8010700_The_effect_

of_caffeine_on_cognitive_task_performance_and_motor_fatigue/links/0912f50efc3f9932

a3000000.pdf