Study Unveils Matcha Benefits for Older Adults

Regular matcha consumption could improve emotional perception and sleep quality in older adults with mild cognitive decline.

About 57.4 million people globally had dementia in 2019, and the number is estimated to nearly triple between 2019 and 2050.

Emerging evidence suggests that lifestyle habits after middle age, at 45–54, can significantly impact the maintenance of cognitive function in older adults. Following a healthy dietary pattern, such as the Mediterranean or Nordic diet, is one of the many lifestyle changes that may help stave off dementia.

Now, a new study published in PLOS One looked at the effect of matcha green tea, a powdered green tea from the Camellia sinensis plant, on cognitive function and sleep quality. The trial included 99 older adults, 64 of whom had subjective cognitive decline, which refers to worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss.

Another 35 participants had mild cognitive impairment, a condition defined as having more memory or thinking problems than other people the same age.

The participants were randomized to take capsules containing 2 grams of matcha or placebo daily. After a 12-month intervention, researchers analyzed changes in cognitive function and sleep quality.

Matcha consumption was associated with significant improvements in social acuity, which is the ability to perceive the psychological state of others and guide one's behavior based on that perception.

Participants who took matcha pills also scored higher on the sleep quality index.

No harmful events caused by matcha were observed in the study.

Benefits of matcha green tea

Matcha green tea originated in China and later became a cultural staple in Japan, where it is consumed in the traditional tea ceremony.

Until recently, findings of matcha’s effects on cognitive function have been contradictory. In animal studies, matcha showed an enhancing effect on cardio-metabolic health; however, the findings in animal models may not necessarily apply to humans.

Randomized clinical trials demonstrated that matcha may decrease stress and slightly enhance attention and memory, but no impact on mood was observed. Research has suggested matcha’s anti-tumor effects, although it is still in the early stages.

While matcha is likely to positively affect cognitive function, consuming it every day may not be sufficient to prevent dementia.