New studies show light drinkers are at a reduced risk for developing Alzheimer’s.
Compiled research, from 1977 to current, have shown that those who were light to moderate dr7inkers to be at a lower risk for certain memory problems including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The 143 studies were based on 19 countries and included around 365,000 people. About half of the studies focused specifically on dementia, the other on general memory problems.
14 out of 19 countries participating in those studies, showed those who consumed one to two drinks a day (for women or men, respectively) were 23% less likely than their sober counterparts to develop early signs of Alzheimer’s or other memory problems.
Why do they think this is accurate? Some think that because alcohol has anti-inflammatory properties it may curb inflammation in the brain which is thought to be slightly responsible for Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions like heart disease and stroke. Alcohol also thins the blood and helps to keep it from clotting which increases the blood flow to the brain as well as ‘exercising’ brain cells to keep them ready to cope with the stress that can cause dementia.
This information is not meant as a green light to hit the nearest pub. Heavy drinkers are at a higher risk for memory problems along with a whole slough of other issues. Wine was shown to be the ‘better’ of the alcohol choices where beer and hard alcohol didn’t fare as well although there was no hard and fast evidence to prove this fact.
What is referred to as ‘social drinking’ may play a key factor in this study. Those who are social drinkers tend to be more active and live moderately healthier lifestyles; all of which are key to an overall healthy life above memory issues later in life.
Non-drinkers need not be concerned about their sober stand point. The studies were only showing a correlation between those who were moderate drinkers and those who were heavy drinkers. Staying sober definitely has its perks but those who enjoy that glass of wine with dinner or out with friends should hold that glass proud and toast to health later in life.
