HealthTalk
Doctor ’ s notes
Dr Rik Heymans is a general practitioner in Nerja and writes on developments in the world of medicine
Alcohol consumption
Low to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with better cognitive function and slower cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults , new research suggests . However , as always one must exercise caution in interpreting the findings .
Investigators at the University of Georgia College of Public Health in Athens found that consuming 10 to 14 alcoholic drinks per week had the strongest cognitive benefit . The findings add more weight to the growing research identifying beneficial cognitive effects of moderate alcohol consumption . However , it should be emphasized that non-drinkers should not take up drinking to protect brain function , as alcohol can have negative effects . The current analysis used data from 1996 to 2008 and included information from individuals who participated in at least three surveys . The study included 19,887 participants , mean age 61.8 years . Most ( 60.1 %) were women and white ( 85.2 %). Mean follow-up was 9.1 years .
Researchers measured cognitive function by assessing total word recall , mental status using tests of knowledge , language , orientation , and vocabulary . They also calculated a total cognition score , with higher scores obviously indicating better cognitive abilities . Based on self-reports , investigators categorized participants as never drinkers ( 41.8 %), former
drinkers ( 39.5 %), or current drinkers ( 18.7 %).
For current drinkers , researchers determined the number of drinking days per week and number of drinks per day . They further categorized these participants as low to moderate drinkers or heavy drinkers . One drink was defined as a 354ml bottle of beer , a 150ml glass of wine , or a 45ml shot of spirits . Women who consumed eight or more drinks per week , and men who drank 15 or more drinks per week were considered heavy drinkers . Other current drinkers were deemed low to moderate drinkers . Most current drinkers ( 85.2 %) were low to moderate drinkers .
There was a significant U-shaped association between weekly amounts of alcohol and the odds of being in the consistently low trajectory group for all cognitive functions . Depending on the function tested , the optimal number of weekly drinks ranged from 10 to 14 . Lower and higher amounts of alcohol consumption showed results which were less good . The study also found that low to moderate drinkers had slower rates of cognitive decline over time for all cognition domains .
Although the mechanisms underlying the cognitive benefits of alcohol consumption are unclear , the authors believe it may be via cerebrovascular and cardiovascular pathways . Alcohol may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF ), a key regulator of the capacity of the brain to adapt and mould itself . However , there ’ s also evidence that drinking , especially heavy drinking , increases the risk of hypertension , stroke , liver damage , and some cancers . For the low to moderate drinker , the beneficial effects on the blood circulation may outweigh the harmful effects . In this way , it could preserve cognition .
Perhaps alcohol should be recommended only for “ select subpopulations ” — for example , those who are healthy and have a family history of cognitive decline — but not for those with a history of substance abuse , including alcohol abuse , or who are suffering from any disease which would be negatively affected by any alcohol consumption at all .
© Dr RIK HEYMANS c / Angustias 24 , Nerja .
Tel : 95 252 6775
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