Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning, leading to memory loss.
It can also affect the way a person thinks, speaks, feels and behaves.
There are many unavoidable risk factors for developing dementia, for example age and ethnicity.
However, according to Alzheimer's Society, some risk factors can be controlled, for example lifestyle choices, like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Drinking green tea every day may reduce your risk.
Dr Michael Mosley told Britons to pop on the kettle for a healthy brain
GETTY IMAGES
Health expert Dr Michael Mosley suggested that people can also reduce their risk of developing dementia by drinking green tea.
In his podcast, Just One Thing, he said that polyphenols in the tea "potentially boast some extra health perks, such as burning more fat when you exercise, boosting your mood and lowering your risk for heart disease and dementia".
He spoke to Dr Edward Okello from the Human Nutrition Research Centre at the University of Newcastle about the benefits of this herbal drink on the brain.
Dr Okello explained that neurotransmission happens in the brain, aided by Acetylcholine.
He said: "The transmission becomes our thoughts, reactions to both internal and external stimuli, ability to recall information in the short term and the long term - our memories, if you like.
"What happens as we age, the levels of Acetylcholine decline, and decline faster if we succumb to a disease like dementia of the Alzheimer's type."
The doctor explained that green tea has flavonoids such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is said to be important for brain health.
It increases the levels of Acetylcholine and therefore increases neurotransmission, which improves our cognition.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
'Green tea could be really beneficial for brain health and wellbeing'
PA IMAGES
He concluded: "EGCG acts by boosting the levels of Acetylcholine and that translates into improved cognitive function."
He added that green tea might help to prevent or at least delay a build up of amyloid in the brain, which is a risk factor for dementia.
In order to truly benefit from the properties of green tea, Dr Okello advised three cups of tea as a minimum - and opt for loose leaf. One cup size should be between 200ml - 250ml.
Dr Okello recommended leaving the teabag in for around three minutes, but using the leaves again until they lose their taste.
