Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Dementia

It is believed that the number of people living with dementia will triple by 2050. There is yet no cure for the disease therefore prevention is key. There are several modifiable lifestyle risk factors that are thought to be associated with cognitive decline in later life. One such risk factor is the consumption of alcohol.

In a recent study the impact of midlife alcohol consumption was analysed in 9087 participants over a period of 23 years. Participants were grouped into 3 categories: abstainers; moderate alcohol drinkers (consuming 1-14 units/week); or excessive drinkers (consuming 14 units/week or more).

Results of the study show that consumption of >14 units/week increases the risk of dementia in a linear fashion. With every 7 unit/ week increase, there is a significant 17% increase in risk of dementia  It has been suggested that this is related to loss of neuronal volume and resulting cognitive decline.

Interestingly, it was found that, compared to those within the moderate drinking category, abstainers are at significantly higher risk of developing dementia. This is a finding that has been subject of great debate. One explanation provided by the researches is that alcohol abstinence is associated with a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and that moderate alcohol consumption has been hypothesised to benefit cardiovascular health. There are, however, numerous other negative health consequences of alcohol consumption, therefore results should not motivate people who do not drink to start drinking.