Study looks at dementia, alcohol link

CLARIFYING the relationship between alcohol use and dementia is one of 19 new projects that will share in $1.5 million in grants to conduct groundbreaking research.

Dr Louise Mewton from UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing was awarded a $75,000 Dementia Australia Research Foundation pilot grant, sponsored by the Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, and will use the funding to clarify the relationship between low to moderate alcohol use and the risk of dementia.

“This world-first study combines innovative, state-of-theart research methods to address two of the largest contributors to the global disease burden: dementia and alcohol use,” Dr Mewton said.

“To date, the relationships between these two key causes of death and disability have been under-researched and overlooked. It is critical that we have a better understanding of how alcohol use is related to age-related diseases such as dementia.

“This research will uncover innovative new avenues for dementia prevention through the development of age appropriate, evidence-based recommendations on the number of standard drinks per week associated with minimal dementia risk.”

The chairman of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, Professor Graeme Samuel, said the grants provided support to early and mid-career researchers who wanted to make a difference in the field of dementia.

“These grants provide vital insights into reducing dementia risk, improving accurate and timely diagnoses and establishing treatment and care options,’’ Prof Samuel said.