The link between alcohol consumption and dementia risk has been explored in a new study that finds there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to dementia risk. This contradicts earlier research that suggested light to moderate drinking may protect against dementia. Researchers used genetic analyses to determine that alcohol heightened dementia risk in proportion to the amount consumed, showing a linear relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia risk. This study challenges the notion that moderate drinking can have a protective effect on brain health.
The study, published in eClinicalMedicine, analyzed data from the UK Biobank for over 300,000 white, British drinkers who were free of dementia at the start of the study. Participants self-reported their drinking habits and provided genetic information, allowing researchers to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia risk using statistical methods. The results showed that there is no level of alcohol consumption that does not increase the risk of developing dementia, debunking previous findings that suggested a protective effect for moderate drinking.
Neurologists not involved in the study explained that alcohol is a known neurotoxin that can impact brain function and memory. Alcohol causes brain atrophy and can inhibit the growth of new neurons, leading to cognitive decline. The study’s conclusion that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption aligns with the understanding that alcohol can worsen dementia symptoms by causing electrical problems in the brain and neuropathies. While there may be debate about the health benefits of light alcohol consumption, there are no brain health benefits to any level of alcohol consumption.
The researchers identified a factor in previous research called “abstainer bias,” which refers to former drinkers who may have stopped due to health issues being categorized as non-drinkers. Including these individuals in the non-drinker category skews the data and makes alcohol use appear healthier than it is. While reducing alcohol consumption is important for brain health, other factors such as age, cardiometabolic disease, smoking, education, and socioeconomic status also play a role in dementia risk. Addressing alcohol consumption is an important preventive measure for individuals at risk of developing dementia.
Experts noted that alcohol use can independently cause memory loss and is a common comorbidity in various neurological diseases. Convincing patients to stop drinking has shown to resolve apparent dementia and memory loss in some cases. Alcohol use affects individuals regardless of their socioeconomic status, making it a significant risk factor for neurological diseases. While previous research suggested a protective effect for moderate drinking, the new study challenges this notion and emphasizes the importance of reducing alcohol consumption for brain health.
