The Impact of Heavy Drinking on the Brain and Its Potential Consequences
A new study has revealed a serious risk for heavy drinkers later in life — brain damage and cognitive decline. The study was described as “compelling.”
Social drinking now and then may not do much harm. But regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol can lead to severe health problems.
The study, called “Association Between Alcohol Consumption, Cognitive Abilities, and Neuropathologic Changes”, was conducted in Brazil. It found that drinking eight or more alcoholic drinks per week qualifies as heavy drinking.
Researchers discovered that heavy drinkers are more likely to develop hyaline arteriolosclerosis. This is a type of brain damage in small blood vessels. It is often linked to memory issues and trouble with thinking clearly.
Differences Among Drinking Groups
The study analyzed data from 1,781 individuals, who had an average age of 75 when they passed away. The researchers performed brain autopsies on all participants. The results showed:
- 40% of non-drinkers had vascular brain lesions.
- 45% of moderate drinkers had such lesions.
- 44% of heavy drinkers had lesions.
- 50% of former heavy drinkers had signs of brain damage.
After adjusting for factors like age at death, smoking, and physical activity, the data indicated that heavy drinkers had 133% higher chances of developing vascular brain lesions than those who never drank. Former heavy drinkers had 89% higher chances, while moderate drinkers had 60% higher chances.
Additionally, the study showed that those who consumed large amounts of alcohol, both currently and in the past, were more likely to develop tau tangles, a biomarker linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The increased risk for current drinkers was 41%, and for those who had stopped drinking, it was 31%.
A Public Health Warning from Experts on Heavy Drinkers
Dr. Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo, the lead author of the study, stated:“We examined how alcohol affects the brain as people age. Our research shows that heavy alcohol consumption damages the brain and can lead to memory and thinking problems.”
He emphasized the importance of understanding these risks for public health awareness. By recognizing the long-term effects of heavy drinking, preventive actions can be taken before irreversible damage occurs.