Moderate drinkers at lower risk of dementia

Los Angeles: Older adults who consume alcohol moderately on a regular basis are more likely to live to the age of 85 without dementia or other cognitive impairments than those who do not drink, a study claims. Previous studies have found a correlation between moderate alcohol intake and longevity. “This study is unique because we considered men and women's cognitive health at late age and found that alcohol consumption is not only associated with reduced mortality, but with greater chances of remaining cognitively healthy into older age,” said Linda McEvoy, associate professor at University of California, San Diego in the US. In particular, the researchers found that among men and women 85 and older, individuals who consumed “moderate to heavy” amounts of alcohol five to seven days a week were twice as likely to be cognitively healthy than non-drinkers. Cognitive health was assessed every four years over the course of the 29-year study, using a standard dementia screening test. Moderate drinking involves consuming up to one alcoholic beverage a day for adult women of any age and men aged 65 and older; and up to two drinks a day for adult men under age 65. Heavy drinking is defined as up to three alcoholic beverages per day for women of any adult age and men 65 and older; and four drinks a day for adult men under 65. Drinking more than these amounts is categorised as excessive. “It is important to point out that there were very few individuals in our study who drank to excess, so our study does not show how excessive or binge-type drinking may affect longevity and cognitive health in ageing,” said McEvoy, senior author of the study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Long-term excessive alcohol intake is known to cause alcohol-related dementia. The researchers said the study does not suggest drinking is responsible for increased longevity and cognitive health. —