Drinking green tea may help combat Alzheimer’s – but with an added ingredient

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most feared memory disorders, affecting millions of people around the world, slowly damaging memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common type of dementia, a general term for memory loss and cognitive decline.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, and Alzheimer’s accounts for 60-70% of those cases.For decades, scientists have searched for a way to stop or even slow down this heartbreaking condition. But sometimes, simple lifestyle choices, like a daily cup of green tea, may offer unexpected support.Green tea is more than just a soothing daily ritual – it might hold a secret weapon against Alzheimer’s disease when paired with the right ingredient.

Emerging research shows that blending green tea’s powerful antioxidant, EGCG, with vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) could help rejuvenate aging brain cells and clear harmful protein buildup linked to Alzheimer’s.This simple pairing, explored in lab studies, restores energy in neurons and helps them clean away damaging plaques. So, whether you're seeking ways to maintain memory or simply curious about natural brain-boosting habits, this guide has science-backed insights that feel both hopeful and practical.

Ready to sip smarter?

Green tea: The ultimate elixir

A recent study from the University of California, Irvine, found that green tea’s antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) becomes even more effective at supporting the aging brain when combined with nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3.

Why the combo matters

Restoring brain energy: Aging neurons often lose levels of a critical energy molecule called GTP (guanosine triphosphate). This shortage hampers the natural cleanup system inside brain cells, causing harmful plaques to accumulate.Dual action: When treated with both nicotinamide and EGCG for just 24 hours in lab models, aged brain cells regained youthful GTP levels. This boosted their ability to clear amyloid-beta, a protein closely linked to Alzheimer’s.Brain protection: Restoring energy and reducing oxidative stress supports healthier metabolism and cellular cleanup, slowing signs of age-related cognitive decline.

What makes green tea itself powerful

EGCG is the key: This major green tea compound has been shown to reduce amyloid-beta and tau protein build-up, two major hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.Brain health benefits: Regular green tea drinkers often enjoy sharper memory and lower dementia risk. Observational studies link green tea consumption to up to a 25% lower dementia risk, with each added cup providing incremental benefits.Fewer white matter lesions: A study of older adults in Japan found that those who drank three or more cups daily had significantly fewer brain white matter lesions, markers often tied to dementia, than those drinking less.

How to consume this beneficial combo

Start with plain green tea: Aim for 3–5 cups a day. Observational research supports this level for brain benefits.Nicotinamide supplements: Though this form of B3 is widely available OTC, its oral effectiveness remains limited, according to researchers, and more study is needed to optimize delivery to the brain.Balanced approach: While adding nicotinamide may enhance benefits, experts emphasize the importance of overall brain health habits: a balanced diet, physical activity, mental engagement, and good sleep.Consult your physician: Even though both components are generally safe, individual health conditions or medications may warrant professional guidance.

Why this matters

Alzheimer’s is complex, but this research offers a hopeful glimpse into how simple dietary ingredients might support long-term brain resilience. Green tea’s EGCG, a powerful but natural antioxidant, combined with nicotinamide, has shown the potential to rejuvenate aging brain cells and support crucial cleanup pathways. While still early-stage, these findings point toward accessible, low-cost ways to impact brain aging, starting with what’s in your cup.