Study: Caffeine Boosts Short-Term Memory

Posted on December 8, 2005

WebMD.com reports on a new study that has found caffeine boosts short-term memory. The findings might encourage college kids to move their next college cram session to the local Starbucks. Scientists say their study is the first time caffeine has been scientifically shown to help boost memory.

Participants were told to avoid caffeine for 12 hours and nicotine for four hours before the study. They were tested twice -- once with caffeine and once with a placebo. The tests were done a day or two apart.
The brain scans showed more activity in brain regions tied to attention and short-term activity with caffeine, compared with the placebo.

The study used 100 milligrams of caffeine which can be found in an 8-ounce cup of coffee according to WebMD. The downside for students and others looking for a quick memory boost is that the study didn't test how long the memory boost will last. Caffeine is already a mainstay of most cram sessions anyway so if caffeine really is a memory aide students are already using it.

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