According to the results of a new study, individuals whose alcohol consumption was identified as “heavy” (eight or more drinks per week) were significantly more likely to develop brain lesions and other neurodegenerative changes, both of which are strongly linked to dementia, a condition resulting in memory loss and cognitive decline. In addition, these changes could also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
As part of the study, researchers examined the brain tissue of over 1,700 deceased individuals, with an average age of 75 years, while their families reported their alcohol consumption. It was found that heavy alcohol drinkers had a 133% higher risk of developing brain lesions compared to non-drinkers. Moreover, former drinkers showed an 89% increased risk, and moderate drinkers had a 60% higher risk of brain damage.
The study was carried out by scientists at Brown University and published in the peer-reviewed journal Neurology. “We found heavy drinking is directly linked to signs of injury in the brain, and this can cause long-term effects on brain health, which may impact memory and thinking abilities. Understanding these effects is crucial for public health awareness and continuing to implement preventive measures to reduce heavy drinking,” said the study author, Alberto Fernando Oliveira, Justo in his interview with Yahoo News.
These results demonstrate that even moderate alcohol consumption can quietly affect the brain, augmenting the risk of memory loss, cognitive decline, and dementia over the long term. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, impairing cognitive functions and coordination. Prolonged and excessive alcohol use can lead to severe, long-term consequences, such as alcoholic dementia,” said dietician Lisa Richards in her interview with Yahoo News. However, since the study is cross-sectional and retrospective, it shows associations, and not causation. Overall, the study demonstrates that both current and past heavy alcohol use, including moderate drinking, are linked with brain lesions, which can contribute to cognitive decline.
