Ageing prompts critical reflections on lifestyle choices for all of us, especially concerning our alcohol consumption.
But if you’re questioning whether to give up drinking, you should be aware of alcohol’s potential link to dementia. So, when should you stop drinking alcohol to lower your risk of dementia?
Scientific studies have established a clear link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of dementia.
Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation and stress in the brain, contributing to neuron damage and impairing your cognitive function over time.
Alcohol also disrupts the neurotransmitter systems that are crucial for learning and memory, exacerbating your risk of cognitive decline.
Excessive alcohol intake can compromise your vascular health, increasing the likelihood of conditions such as stroke and vascular dementia.
So, what is the definitive age at which you should consider bidding farewell to alcohol?
While factors such as your genetics, overall health, and alcohol tolerance play a role, experts at medical insurance company Usay Compare recommend reassessing your alcohol consumption habits around the age of 65.
This milestone age signifies a critical juncture where the cumulative effects of alcohol on brain health become more pronounced, and the risk of dementia escalates.
The NHS basic guideline for units of alcohol is as follows:
- A typical glass (175ml) of (12% ABV) wine: 2 units.
- A large glass of (250ml) of (12% ABV) wine: 3 units.
- A pint of lower (3.6% ABV) alcohol beer or cider: 2 units.
- A pint of higher (5.2% ABV) alcohol beer or cider: 3 units.
- A single shot (25ml ABV) of spirits such as whisky, gin or vodka (40%): 1 unit.
Consuming alcohol has been associated with a decrease in the white matter volume of the brain, which is responsible for transmitting signals between various brain regions. This may result in disruptions to normal brain functioning.
Prolonged excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a deficiency in vitamin B1 (thiamine). It could also cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which affects your short-term memory.
It’s never too early to start adopting brain-healthy habits. Alongside limiting your alcohol intake, embracing a lifestyle that nurtures your cognitive vitality is essential.
Regular physical exercise, maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, engaging in mentally stimulating activities, and cultivating social connections all contribute to your brain’s resilience and reduce your risk of dementia.
Knowing when to say goodbye to alcohol for the sake of cognitive health is a decision not to be taken lightly for some.
Still, by heeding the scientific evidence and making proactive lifestyle modifications, you can hopefully look forward to a sharper mind and a brighter future.