New study reveals dementia risk linked to surprisingly low alcohol intake

Recent research has revealed that even moderate alcohol consumption – below the current recommended limits – can significantly increase the risk of dementia.

A new study published in the journal Neurology has found that drinking alcohol, even in relatively moderate amounts, significantly increases the risk of dementia and other serious health conditions.

The research, conducted in Brazil, analysed data from autopsies of 1781 people, shedding light on the long-term effects of alcohol on brain health.

Subjects were grouped into four categories: those who never drank, moderate drinkers (who consumed up to seven standard drinks per week), heavy drinkers (who had eight or more standard drinks per week), and former heavy drinkers who had not drunk for at least three months but had a history of heavy drinking.

In the study, a standard drink was defined as 14 grams of alcohol, roughly equivalent to a 350ml glass of beer or 147ml of wine, according to Psychology Today.

While drinking habits were reported by relatives, which may not always be entirely accurate, the overall findings still proved the link between drinking and cognitive decline.

Drinking a moderate amount of alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of dementia. Picture: iStock

Alcohol linked to dementia

Interestingly, the amount of alcohol that can impair brain function is lower than many people might expect.

The study defines “heavy” drinking as eight or more drinks per week, but this is a level many would consider moderate. It would be the same as having a beer or a glass of wine each week night, plus two on the weekend.

But the results showed that those who consumed up to seven or more than eight drinks per week faced a higher risk of brain injuries associated with memory loss and dementia.

Up to seven or more than eight drinks was linked to cognitive decline, memory loss and dementia. Picture: iStock

Heavy drinkers in the study had a 133 per cent higher risk of developing hyaline arteriolosclerosis, a condition involving the thickening and hardening of arteries.

This process restricts blood flow to the brain and can result in tiny, often unnoticed strokes that damage memory and increase the risk of dementia.

Former heavy drinkers, even after abstaining for three months or more, were still 89 per cent more likely to develop this condition compared to those who never drank.

Meanwhile, moderate drinkers faced a 60 per cent increased risk, proving that even lower levels of alcohol consumption were harmful.

Even former heavy drinkers were at risk of serious health issues. Picture: iStock

Other health impacts

Beyond artery damage, heavy drinkers and former heavy drinkers were also more likely to develop neurofibrillary tangles, which are protein formations in the brain strongly associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Heavy drinkers were 41 per cent more likely to have these tangles, while former heavy drinkers were 31 per cent more likely.

Even after stopping drinking, former drinkers remain at a higher risk of dementia, which is a harsh reminder that the effects of alcohol can linger long after the last drink.

In saying that, it’s never too late to begin to make healthier lifestyle choices and re-evaluate your alcohol consumption.

Australian implications

Interestingly, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Australian Alcohol Guidelines recommend that adults should drink no more than 10 standard drinks per week to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury.

This is particularly worrying because this new research found increased dementia risks even at levels of drinking well below the current NHMRC guideline.

What’s even more concerning is that one in four Australian adults exceed this guideline, with men more likely to do so than women.

Among young adults aged 18 to 24, more than one in three go over the recommended limit.

Originally published as New study reveals dementia risk linked to surprisingly low alcohol intake