Despite common beliefs about moderate drinking, no level of alcohol is safe for the brain, particularly for those over 65. This article examines why abstaining from alcohol is key to preventing dementia in later life.
Alcohol Abuse
According to the CDC, alcohol consumption is linked to over 140,000 deaths a year in the US. Regular drinkers can suffer considerable damage to their health. Anything above two drinks a day for women and three drinks a day for men, alcohol is considered a major risk factor for certain types of cancer especially mouth, throat, esophagus, and colorectal. Additionally, alcohol abuse is a major cause of liver disease (cirrhosis) and pancreatic disease, as well as cardiovascular and psychological disorders such as anxiety, and depression.
Alcohol alters brain function and memory
Excessive alcohol consumption can also be associated with early dementia. In an interview with The Sun, neurologist Dr. Richard Restak compared alcohol to a “direct neurotoxin”, in other words, a substance that damages or destroys the functioning of the nervous system. The damage caused by alcohol can therefore alter our brain and our memory.
To avoid these risks, the expert has revealed the age at which alcohol should be banned altogether. “I strongly recommend that people aged 65 and over completely and permanently eliminate alcohol from their diet,” advised the author of the book titled “How to Prevent Dementia: An Expert’s Guide to Long-Term Brain Health”. He also recommended that people, regardless of age, reconsider their relationship with alcohol if they use it to calm their nerves or relieve anxiety.
Read Also: Is the Cure for Alcoholism Hidden in Our Brains? New Boston University Study Sheds Light
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: dementia associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
According to Dr. Richard Restak, there is a specific dementia that can affect heavy drinkers: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It is characterized by “severe loss of recent memory” and “results from the direct action of alcohol on the brain,”. In the long term, excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to vitamin B1 deficiency, which can cause this syndrome.
Final Thoughts
While the recommendation to avoid alcohol after 65 is a significant step for brain health, the underlying truth is there’s no safe dosage of alcohol at any age. Opting for a lifestyle free from alcohol might be the wisest choice for long-term neurological well-being.
Read Also: Gene Therapy Used for Parkinson’s Reduces Alcohol Consumption by 90% in Addicted Primates
References
Loukou, E. (2024, January 16). Exact age to stop boozing to prevent dementia & 4 other lifestyle saviours. The Sun. Retrieved from https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/25376242/age-stop-drinking-alcohol-prevent-dementia/
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