Scientists from Mahidol University in Thailand found that even low doses of caffeine are enough to improve working memory. Research results published in the journal Physiology and Behavior.
The experiment involved 25 people. Participants were divided into two groups. They were required to drink a glass of flavored water with or without 50 mg of caffeine (the amount found in half a cup of regular brewed coffee, for example).
First, the scientists measured the volunteers’ brain activity using an EEG while sitting with their eyes closed. Participants then completed two cognitive function tests. Then each participant drank their drink. Half an hour later they made measurements and tests again. After that, all volunteers performed the 5-minute exercises, followed by another data collection session. A week later the procedure was repeated, with the only difference that the groups changed drinks.
It was revealed that 30 minutes after drinking caffeine, the activity of alpha waves in the brain slowed down and cognitive functions, namely hand-eye processing speed, working memory and attention improved, and the drowsiness disappeared.