Effect of Caffeine on Multi-domain Neurocognitive Abilities in Occasional Coffee Consumers

Abstract

Background: Multi-domain neurocognitive abilities underpin timely perception & appropriate action tounexpected threats in the dynamic environment. Hence enhancement of the same may be life-saving in somesituations. Caffeine is the most widely consumed CNS stimulant which not only enhances neurocognitiveabilities but also temporarily counteracts neurocognitive deficits. Therefore this study has been undertakento quantify the effect of Caffeine on Multi-domain neurocognitive skills.Aim: To find out the effect of Caffeine on neurocognitive abilities in occasional coffee consumersMaterials & Methods: This study was conducted on 23 participants. In all the subjects under basalconditions, a battery of multi-domain neurocognitive tests, which included ART, VRT, CFFF, Digits forwardtests were conducted. Then a standard dose of 2.2grams of instant coffee powder (Nestle – 69.6mg ofCaffeine) dissolved in 100 ml of milk was given. After 30 minutes of intake, the same battery of tests wasrepeated, and the test results were analyzed.Results: In our study, we have found that Caffeine significantly increases CFFF (p<0.001), Digits forwardtest score (p<0.001) and decreases VRT (p=0.03). It also reduces ART, but it is not statistically significant.(p=0.06).Conclusion: Caffeine significantly improves Critical flicker fusion frequency, attention span, performanceand reduces reaction time.