How does caffeine affect cognition?

Caffeine has significant effects on cognition primarily through its impact on neurochemical systems. Here are key points from Andrew Huberman:

1. Alertness and Focus: Caffeine stimulates the release of dopamine and acetylcholine in the forebrain, increasing focus, alertness, and feelings of well-being 1.

2. Placebo Effect and Expectation: Beliefs about the stimulant can modify its effects. In a study, college students who thought they were taking Adderall (but ingested caffeine) performed better on working memory tests and reported stronger stimulant effects due to their expectations 2.

3. Cognitive Performance: Regular caffeine use doesn't significantly boost cognitive ability beyond baseline unless the person abstains from it for a period (e.g., five days). When caffeine is reintroduced, it significantly enhances mental performance 3 4.

   Caffeine's Effects

   Andrew Huberman

   Andrew explains how caffeine stimulates the release of dopamine and acetylcholine in the forebrain, which increases focus and alertness, and feelings of well-being. He also talks about how caffeine increases the number and efficacy of dopamine receptors in the reward pathways of the brain, making things that would feel pretty good feel even better.

   

   Huberman Lab

   Using Caffeine to Optimize Mental & Physical Performance | Huberman Lab Podcast 101

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4. Reaction Time and Memory: Caffeine improves reaction times and enhances memory recall. Its effects reduce the time needed to respond to stimuli and enhance the accuracy of memory-related tasks 5.

5. Neurochemical Interaction: Caffeine reduces fatigue by antagonizing adenosine receptors and increases epinephrine and dopamine receptor efficacy. This dual action reduces tiredness and heightens alertness and motivational states 6.

Overall, caffeine improves cognitive functions such as alertness, memory recall, and reaction times, mainly by stimulating key neurotransmitters and modulating their receptors' efficiency.