I'm amazed by the recent surge in research into the effects of coffee on the human brain. First came stories such as this:

Caffeine can induce hallucinations

"Kiwis who imbibe the caffeine equivalent of one and a half cups of espresso coffee – or seven cups of instant – are more likely to hallucinate according to a new study, which may explain the ascendant popularity of coffee culture in New Zealand."

followed today by:

Drinking coffee reduces Alzheimer's risk: study

"Middle-aged people who consume modest amounts of coffee can significantly lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study by Finnish and Swedish researchers released on Thursday."

This may say a lot about the relative attitudes to chemical stimulants in New Zealand as compared to Scandinavians. The Kiwis taking an alarmist approach and Vikings (best synonym I could come up with there, and probably not even the right one) seeking to find a suitable use for what is one of the few legal mind-altering substances in the Western world.

However, taken together I see even more reason that I should cut down my coffee drinking habits. If I continue as I am doing, not only will I have horrifying hallucinations now, but I'm more likely to remember them when I'm an old man.

Cup of tea, anyone?