How small doses of coffee affect the human brain

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A study conducted using electroencephalography (EEG) and cognitive tests showed that working memory does improve after drinking coffee in the morning. In addition, EEG recordings showed a decrease in alpha wave activity, often associated with drowsiness.

The researchers conducted an experiment on 25 healthy young men (average age 21 years), who usually consumed 1-2 or fewer cups of caffeinated coffee or tea or 1 can of caffeinated soda per day.

The men were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups received both real caffeine and a placebo, but in different orders. The first group received 50 mg of caffeine.

The experimenters also asked the participants whether they thought they had drunk a placebo or a caffeinated drink. 85% of the men could not tell the difference.

The researchers saw that 30 minutes after consuming caffeine, alpha wave activity decreased. Cognitive functions, i.e. visual-motor processing speed, working memory and attention, improved 30 minutes after caffeine consumption.