A Little Wine Can Protect, But Abstaining or Over-Imbibing Increases Dementia Risk

Go ahead and pour that glass of pinot. But only one.

A 23-year follow-up study, published in The British Medical Journal, reported that people who are teetotalers in middle age are at a greater risk of developing dementia by early old age, compared to those who were moderate drinkers -- with positive benefits particularly apparent in moderate wine drinkers. And, as alcohol consumption increases beyond "moderate consumption," the risk of dementia also incrementally increases.

This report confirms other studies that show moderate alcohol consumption is thought to be associated with a lower risk of dementia. The association of alcohol with cognitive outcomes appears to be a J-shaped or U-shaped curve, with harmful effects at both abstinence and excessive alcohol ends of the curve, and the risk continuing to increase in a linear fashion at higher levels of consumption.

The reasons why moderate doses of alcohol appear to improve overall brain health are still under study. One recent report, published in Scientific Reports, concludes that moderate alcohol consumption has a positive effect on one's glymphatic function -- or the way the brain removes toxins. To clear itself of damaging and accumulated proteins like tau and beta amyloid (characteristic of Alzheimer's patients), the brain pumps in cerebral spinal fluid to act as a flushing solution. Moderate alcohol consumption made the process more efficient and less inflammatory than in teetotalers. Excessive alcohol made the process sluggish.

So, what is considered "moderate alcohol consumption?"

According to the study's chief medical officers, we should stick to drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week -- or 2 units a day. This translates to:

• Standard glass of wine (5 oz.) - 2 units
• Can of lager/beer/cider (15 oz.) - 2 units
• 1-½ oz. of spirits - 2 units

In particular, red wine may be your best choice. Red wine contains polyphenols -- which are neuroprotective. And, red wine can also protect your heart by reducing inflammation, inhibiting platelet clumping, and improving lipid profiles.

While it's a fun idea to think that drinking alcohol might actually be good for you and there is evidence that drinking red wine in moderation seems to improve brain function -- there is still much for researchers to explore in alcohol's role in dementia prevention.

In the meantime, it's all good news for us oenophiles. Pour your one daily glass and don't forget to salute those who are hard at research. Maybe they'll next discover that pizza is good for brain health.

Cheers...

Sources for research nerds and naysayers:

BMJ 2018; 362, doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k2927

Scientific Reports, volume 8, Article number: 2246 (2018)

DISCLAIMER: This information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgement. See complete disclaimer.