I'm a recent convert to the benefits of caffeine for cycling, and my Intergoogling has lead me to conclude that the problems you describe are not relevant if you use it sparingly. By sparingly, I mean, for example, three cups per week.

I usually drink decaf, but an hour before a 60 mile ride, I'll have a strong cup (10 oz) of caffeinated, and supplement with another halfway through. For a shorter HIIT ride, I'll have one cup before I start.

That regimen should avoid dependence, insomnia, and probably hypertension, while making me less tired.

This article says:

Caffeine may increase the speed with which you work, may decrease attentional lapses, and may even benefit recall – but is less likely to benefit more complex cognitive functions,..


So "Loss of thinking ability" might be overstating it.