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Moderate drinking may reduce dementia
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More than half of the 44 published studies on the effects of alcohol consumption since the 1990s indicate that moderate drinkers of wine, beer and liquor had lower risk of dementia and Alzheirmer's than nondrinkers, according to a Loyola University study reported in Science Daily.
Although light-to-moderate responsible drinking appears to carry certain health benefits, alcohol is a double-edged sword, explained Loyola University report lead author and neuroscientist Michael Collins, Ph.D.
“Too much is bad. But a little might actually be helpful,” he stated.
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally defined as one drink or less per day for women and 1-2 drinks or less per day for men.
Other benefits have been found for moderate drinking as well, including a lower incidence of cardiac disease. In fact, in a previous study reported by Science Daily, conducted by the Medical University of South Carolina, researchers found that middle-aged non-drinkers who began consuming moderate amounts of alcohol saw an immediate benefit of lower cardiac disease morbidity.
As explained by Loyola University researchers, long-term alcohol abuse can cause memory loss and impair cognitive function, yet moderate alcohol users appear to receive the opposite effect. One possible reason for this is offered by well-known theory that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of mini strokes that cause dementia.
Collins and colleagues suggested another explanation. In the report, they theorized that alcohol may essentially toughen up the brain cells. Similar to the way strength training stresses and improves muscular ability, small amounts of alcohol may make the brain cells more fit, preparing them to cope with major stresses later on that can precipitate dementia.
Experts noted that for most people who drink in moderation, there is no reason to quit. On the other hand, even with the possible cardiac and neurological benefits, it’s not recommended that abstainers begin drinking. The risks of alcohol abuse outweigh any advantages of moderate alcohol consumption.
In the study, researchers mentioned that there are other things besides moderate drinking that can reduce the risk of dementia, including exercise, green tea, education and a Mediterranean diet high in fruits, vegetables, cereals, beans, nuts and seeds.
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