“Heavy alcohol consumption is a major global health concern linked to increased health problems and death,” Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo, co-author of the study, said.
“We looked at how alcohol affects the brain as people get older. Our research shows that heavy alcohol consumption is damaging to the brain, which can lead to memory and thinking problems,” he added.
What’s hyaline atherosclerosis? Hyaline atherosclerosis causes blood vessels to narrow, thicken and stiffen, reducing blood flow and damaging surrounding brain tissue. It often appears in areas where the brain has already suffered injury. The condition is also seen in people with diabetes, especially in the kidneys.
From autopsies. The research involved 1,781 deceased individuals, all age 75 or older. The team used brain autopsies to look for damage such as tau protein deposits and signs of hyaline atherosclerosis.
According to This Chart That Ranks Countries by Beer Consumption, China Is Beer Country
How much is too much? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Tolerance for alcohol depends on factors like age, sex and body size. To assess drinking habits, the researchers interviewed relatives of the deceased.
Based on that information, they grouped people into never-drinkers (965), moderate drinkers (319), heavy drinkers (129), and former heavy drinkers (368).
Finding the link. After adjusting for other factors, the team found that heavy drinkers had a 133% higher risk of brain blood vessel damage than non-drinkers. Former heavy drinkers had an 89% higher risk, and moderate drinkers had a 60% higher risk.
They also found a smaller—but notable—link between alcohol use and tau protein clusters, which are associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
The findings were published in Neurology.
A hard truth. The study also uncovered other associations: cognitive decline in drinkers and a 13-year shorter life expectancy for heavy drinkers compared to abstainers.
While some research suggests small amounts of wine or beer may offer health benefits, most experts agree the risks outweigh them. And the more you drink, the greater the risk.
Image | Vinicius “amnx” Amano (Unsplash)
Related | Forget Your Go-To Cocktail: Drinking Coffee Is All the Rage at Daytime Raves
The post Drinking Too Much Alcohol Affects Your Brain. The Effects Aren’t Far From Those of a Brain Injury appeared first on Xataka On.
