In recent years, the debate over alcoholβs impact on brain health has intensified. A recent study involving nearly 300,000 people has challenged the long-held belief that even small amounts of alcohol are harmful. The findings showed that those who drank one or two glasses of wine or beer a day were less likely to develop dementia than those who abstained entirely. This effect was observed regardless of whether alcohol was consumed with meals or separately, and did not depend on the type of drink.
The results surprised even the researchers themselves. Contrary to previous concerns, light to moderate alcohol consumption was linked to a significant reduction in the risk of dementia. According to scientists, the likelihood of developing the disease was 35% lower among moderate drinkers compared to those who completely abstained from alcohol.
Study details
The research was conducted using the UK Biobank, the largest British database that stores medical data for hundreds of thousands of volunteers. Analysts from Soochow University (China) compared alcohol consumption habits with subsequent cases of dementia. The sample included men and women of various ages, allowing for the most objective assessment possible.
Interestingly, a positive effect was observed only with moderate consumption. Those who drank more than three pints of strong beer or three large glasses of wine a day did not receive any protection against dementia. Moreover, excessive alcohol use, as before, remained a risk factor for brain health.
What does ‘moderate’ mean
Within the study, moderate consumption was defined as no more than two or three small glasses of wine or a couple of pints of beer per day. According to the researchers, this regimen not only did no harm, but could also have a protective effect on the brain. It is important to note that the findings refer to regular but not excessive consumption.
The authors of the study emphasize that among the teetotalers, there were quite a few people who had previously abused alcohol and then gave it up completely. This group actually showed a higher risk of dementia, which may distort overall statistics. Nevertheless, even taking this factor into account, the link between moderate consumption and reduced disease risk remained.
Contradictions and new questions
The results of the study contradict the findings of a number of previous works that claimed even small amounts of alcohol are harmful to the brain. For example, experts from Oxford University had previously found no positive effect of alcohol on cognitive functions. The new data prompts a re-evaluation of these views and a search for explanations for this unexpected effect.
Among the possible causes, scientists point to alcohol’s effect on blood vessels and brain metabolism. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Researchers caution against jumping to conclusions and warn that the results should not be taken as guidance for action. Each case is unique, and any lifestyle changes should be discussed with a doctor.
Dementia in Europe
Today, dementia is one of the leading causes of death in the UK and other European countries. The disease now surpasses even cardiovascular conditions and cancer in this regard. As a result, any new data on prevention sparks huge interest among specialists and the general public.
While scientists continue to study how various factors affect the risk of developing dementia, the latest research findings have already triggered lively debate in the medical community. Some experts believe moderate alcohol consumption may indeed offer benefits, while others urge caution and remind about the dangers of excessive drinking.
If you weren’t aware, UK Biobank is the largest medical data bank in Europe, established to study how lifestyle and genetics affect health. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers from the UK participate in the project, providing information about their diet, habits, and diseases. These data offer scientists worldwide unique opportunities to analyze and identify new patterns in medicine.
