Drinking more than six coffees a day may increase your risk of huge health issues

Drinking more than six cups of coffee a day could leave people at greater risk of dementia and stroke, scientists warn.

A study of 17,702 people between 37-73 showed those who drank this amount had smaller brain mass volumes and a 53% higher risk of dementia.

But the findings also suggested one or two cups a day was better for brain health than none at all.

Lead researcher, Kitty Pham, of the University of South Australia, said: “This is the most extensive investigation into the connections between coffee, brain volume measurements, the risks of dementia, and the risks of stroke.

“It’s also the largest study to consider volumetric brain imaging data and a wide range of confounding factors.

“Accounting for all possible permutations, we consistently found that higher coffee consumption was significantly associated with reduced brain volume.

The study looked a t 17,702 people between 37-73 to see the impact drinking coffee (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

“Essentially, drinking more than six cups of coffee a day may be putting you at risk of brain diseases such as dementia and stroke.”

Coffee is the most popular drink worldwide with around two billion cups consumed per day.

Brits drink 95 million cups every day.

Experts believe moderate coffee consumption can cut the risk of some diseases due to the chemical compounds found in it.

Too much could over-stimulate the heart and brain functions as well as lead to dehydration

Britain consumes 95 million cups of coffee every day (Getty Images)

The study cannot prove it is the coffee that is causing the increased dementia risk but did attempt to control for other factors such as age and other health problems.

Co-author Prof Elina Hypponen said: “As with many things in life, moderation is the key.

“Together with other genetic evidence and a randomised controlled trial, these data strongly suggest that high coffee consumption can adversely affect brain health.

Two cups of coffee each day were found to be better than having no coffee at all (Getty Images)

“While the exact mechanisms are not known, one simple thing we can do is to keep hydrated and remember to drink a bit of water alongside that cup of coffee.

“Typical daily coffee consumption is somewhere between one and two standard cups of coffee. Of course, while unit measures can vary, a couple of cups of coffee a day is generally fine.

“However, if you’re finding that your coffee consumption is heading up toward more than six cups a day, it’s about time you rethink your next drink.”

The findings are published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience.