Raise a Glass? Maybe Not—New Research Ties Alcohol to Dementia
As we approach the season to be merry, I want to tell you about new research about alcohol and the brain. I have written about the risks of alcohol before What’s the Buzz About Alcohol.
Previously it was thought that alcohol was good for us–especially our hearts. But when the studies were reanalyzed and new research performed, “alcohol was linked to higher risks for hypertension, heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and many other forms of cardiovascular disease — not to mention accidents, trauma, cirrhosis, several forms of cancer (eg, gastrointestinal and breast), and shortened lifespans.”(1) Alcohol: Bad for Heart, Brain, and Cognition?
Now, there is even more evidence that drinking alcohol, even small amounts is associated with dementia. (2) See this article: No Level of Alcohol Use Is Safe for the Brain
What’s a human who enjoys alcohol to do?
1. Recognize that drinking alcohol has significant health risks.
2. If you drink, try and limit alcohol to 0 to 1/week.
3. To help convince yourself of the need to reduce alcohol consumption, do research on yourself. See how you feel the day after you drink–do you feel more lethargic, have some brain fogginess, feel puffy, etc.? Write down what you notice.
Do not drink for two days after that. On the third day, see how you feel. Do you feel better? There are many factors influencing how you feel on a given day, but perhaps notice the contrast between the day after drinking and the day after not drinking.
4. When in social situations, order a club soda with a lime. Having this in your hand can serve as an anchor, like an alcoholic drink might, but without impairing judgment, energy, or long-term health.
5. If drinking alcohol helps you relax in social situations, try a different tack. Experiment with being a teetotaler, at least for the evening. Focus on and be interested in others.
If you feel anxious, step away to the bathroom, and slow down your breathing: Use the 4-7-8 breathing technique
(inhale 4 seconds, hold 7, exhale 8). You can do this several times slowly to calm yourself down. Consult a therapist if social anxiety persists. (3)
6. When eating, savor and taste the flavors of the food and if you are eating with companions, focus on them as well.
Remember that alcohol causes fat buildup in the liver, and that people who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a high waist circumference are at greater risk for advanced liver disease.(4)
In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, I raise my glass of club soda and lime to your health.
Have a lovely weekend.
Warmly,
Dr. Jill
References:
1. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/alcohol-bad-heart-brain-and-cognition-2025a1000qnb
2. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/no-level-alcohol-use-safe-brain-2025a1000q0q
3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/4-7-8-breathing
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