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Heavy Drinking Linked to Brain Lesions, Cognitive Decline
A new study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), suggests a strong link between heavy alcohol consumption (eight or more drinks per week) and a heightened risk of developing brain lesions known as hyaline arteriolosclerosis. These lesions narrow and thicken blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the brain and potentially leading to cognitive and memory problems.
The study, led by Dr. Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo of the University of Sao Paulo Medical School in Brazil, examined brain autopsies of 1,781 individuals with an average age of 75. Researchers gathered information about the participants’ drinking habits from family members.
The findings revealed a significantly increased risk of vascular brain lesions in heavy drinkers compared to those who abstained from alcohol. Heavy drinkers had a 133% greater risk, while former heavy drinkers and moderate drinkers had 89% and 60% increased risks, respectively. Additionally, heavy and former heavy drinkers were more likely to develop tau tangles, protein deposits in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Among former heavy drinkers, researchers observed a decline in cognitive function and a lower brain mass to body mass ratio – an effect not observed in current heavy drinkers or moderate drinkers. Heavy drinkers also experienced a 13-year shorter lifespan compared to non-drinkers.
While the study doesn’t definitively prove causation, Dr. Justo emphasized the correlation between heavy drinking and brain injury, highlighting the potential long-term impact on brain health and cognitive abilities. He stressed the importance of public health awareness and preventive measures to reduce heavy alcohol consumption.
The study defined one alcoholic beverage as containing 14 grams of alcohol, equivalent to approximately 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. It’s important to note that the study had limitations, including a lack of pre-death health assessments and detailed information on the duration of alcohol consumption. The research was supported by The São Paulo Research Foundation.