Even ‘Social Drinking’ May Increase Dementia Risk, Says Study

Have you heard the phrase that ‘everything is fine when taken in moderation’? We often follow this rule when it comes to our diet. But let us tell you, this rule does not sit well with alcohol consumption. If you were of the notion that light or social drinking is harmless, then you might need to think twice. According to a new study, even a small amount of alcohol consumption may increase your risk of dementia. Don’t believe us? Then read on.

What is the New Study All About

Even small amounts of alcohol consumption is linked to higher risk of dementia in older adults, states a new study. It was led by the University of Oxford in the UK — in collaboration with Yale University and the University of Cambridge. The study has been published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.

The study examined data from more than 5,00,000 people drawn from the UK Biobank and the US Million Veteran Program. The researchers also examined data from over 2.4 million participants across 45 studies. This was done to establish any link between the genetically predicted likelihood of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder to dementia risk.

How Alcohol Affects the Brain

Time and again, researchers have spoken about how heavy drinking can harm our brain. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol impacts areas of the brain that control balance, memory, speech, and judgment. This results in a higher probability of injuries and other negative outcomes.

Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can impact the way the brain works. Adolescent brains are more vulnerable to the negative impacts of alcohol. Alcohol abuse during adolescence can alter brain development, potentially resulting in long-lasting changes in brain structure and function. Long-term heavy drinking may lead to alterations in the neurons, such as reductions in their size.

Also Read: Quitting Smoking Even Later in Life May Shield Your Brain, Says New Study

Side Effects of Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead may lead to these side effects:

• Injuries — motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns.
• Violence — homicide, suicide, sexual violence etc.
• Alcohol poisoning — high blood alcohol levels that affect body functions like breathing and heart rate.
• Overdose — from alcohol use with other drugs, like opioids.
• Sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancy.
• Alcohol consumption during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

Drinking may lead to the following health conditions:

• High blood pressure.
• Heart disease.
• Liver disease.
• Stroke.
• Alcohol use disorder — this impacts both physical and mental health.
• Digestive problems.
• A weaker immune system — raises your chances of falling sick.

Also Read: Have Gout? Why Alcohol Is Your Worst Enemy

Tips to Curb or Quit Alcohol

If you are someone who wants to limit or quit your alcohol intake, then fret not. Here are some steps, shared by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, which may be helpful:

• Put it in writing.
• Set a drinking goal.
• Keep a diary of your drinking.
• Don't keep alcohol in your house.
• Drink slowly
• Choose alcohol-free days.
• Watch for peer pressure.
• Keep busy.
• Ask for support.
• Guard against temptation.
• Be persistent.
• Consider non-alcoholic substitutes.

The Final Verdict

Consumption of alcohol has multiple side effects. According to a new Oxford study, even a small amount of alcohol may put an older adult at the risk of developing dementia.