Potential Risk of Dementia Soared with Heavy Alcohol Consumption
** persistent alcohol consumption linked to higher risk of dementia**
A new study published in the international scientific journal Neurology reveals a link between heavy alcohol consumption and an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from the University of São Paulo Medical School, led by Dr. Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo, analyzed data from 1,781 individuals, focusing on signs of brain damage associated with alcohol abuse.
The participants were categorized into four groups based on their alcohol consumption habits: non-drinkers, moderate drinkers, heavy drinkers, and former heavy drinkers.
Heavy drinkers were found to have a 133% higher risk of cerebrovascular damage compared to those who had never consumed alcohol. This damage includes hyaline arteriolosclerosis (HA), a condition that narrows small blood vessels and impedes blood flow, leading to brain tissue damage.
Among former heavy drinkers, the risk of dementia was found to be 89% higher than among non-drinkers. Heavy drinkers and former heavy drinkers were also more likely to develop tau tangles, protein clumps that form in Alzheimer's disease and strangle neurons.
Moderate drinkers, who consumed seven or fewer alcoholic drinks per week, were found to have a 60% higher risk of dementia compared to non-drinkers.
The study emphasizes that individual tolerance and health factors can vary, and what constitutes a safe amount of alcohol can differ from person to person. However, the National Health Service (NHS) recommends limiting alcohol intake to 14 units per week, spread over three or more days, to minimize risks.
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) acknowledges that the adverse effect of ethanol on cardiovascular health and, by association, the risk of dementia becomes pronounced at a certain amount of alcohol. Specifically, if a person consumes more than 100 grams of pure alcohol per week, which is slightly more than seven portions.
Russian scientists have also discovered a variant of the ADH1B gene that reduces the risk of alcohol dependence by 25-32% in certain ethnic groups. This variation is involved in ethanol metabolism and may be useful in developing an algorithm to predict an individual's risk of alcohol disorders.
It's crucial to consider that consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week may elevate the risk of dementia due to associated brain damage and cognitive decline. This guideline highlights the importance of moderation in alcohol consumption and consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
[1] - The Lancet Neurology
[2] - Alcohol Research: Current Reviews
[3] - NHS
[4] - Drug and Alcohol Dependence
A related study revealed that quality alcohol in reasonable doses can help relieve nervous tension related to stress and prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, it's essential to note that consuming 100 grams or more of pure alcohol per week significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and dementia.
The number of portions mentioned in the studies refers to 14 grams of ethanol, which is equivalent to 350 ml of beer, 150 ml of dry wine, or 45 ml of hard liquor. It is advised against abstaining from drinking during weekdays and consuming seven servings at once on Friday.
- The link between heavy alcohol consumption and an increased risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, was highlighted in a study published in the scientific journal Neurology.
- Researchers focused on signs of brain damage associated with alcohol abuse and categorized participants into four groups: non-drinkers, moderate drinkers, heavy drinkers, and former heavy drinkers.
- Heavy drinkers had a 133% higher risk of cerebrovascular damage compared to non-drinkers, and former heavy drinkers had an 89% higher risk of dementia.
- Moderate drinkers, who consumed seven or fewer drinks per week, were found to have a 60% higher risk of dementia compared to non-drinkers.
- The study emphasized that individual tolerance and health factors can vary, and what constitutes a safe amount of alcohol can differ from person to person.
- The NHS recommends limiting alcohol intake to 14 units per week, while the European Society of Cardiology advises against consuming more than 100 grams of pure alcohol per week due to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and dementia.
- Russian scientists discovered a variant of the ADH1B gene that reduces the risk of alcohol dependence in certain ethnic groups, which may be useful in developing an algorithm to predict an individual's risk of alcohol disorders.
- Consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week may elevate the risk of dementia due to associated brain damage and cognitive decline.
- A related study suggested that quality alcohol in reasonable doses can help relieve nervous tension related to stress and prevent cardiovascular diseases, but consuming 100 grams or more of pure alcohol per week significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and dementia.
- It is crucial to consider the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption, including chronic diseases like dementia, cardiovascular health, and mental health, and to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on health and wellness, fitness and exercise, nutrition, and therapies and treatments for various health conditions, such as skin conditions, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing problems, neurological disorders, and autoimmune disorders.
