Dementia risk: No amount of alcohol is safe for brain health
Dementia risk: No amount of alcohol is safe for brain health Medical News Today
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There is no Safe Level of Alcohol Consumption for Dementia Risk, Study Finds
Introduction
There is no level of alcohol consumption that does not increase the risk of dementia among drinkers, according to a new study. Using statistical methods based on genetic analyses, the authors of the study found that alcohol heightened dementia risk in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed. This study contradicts earlier research that suggested light to moderate drinking may protect against dementia.
The Study
The study, published in eClinicalMedicine, concludes that there is a linear relationship between the amount of alcohol one consumes and the risk of developing dementia. Earlier research suggested a protective effect for lower and moderate levels of drinking, but the new study finds that this was likely the result of something they refer to as “abstainer bias.”
Data Analysis
In their attempt to clarify the relationship between light and moderate alcohol consumption and dementia, the authors of the study analyzed data from the UK Biobank for 313,958 white, British drinkers. Participants were free of dementia during initial data collection during 2006–2010. Participants were followed until 2021, during which time any diagnoses of dementia were recorded.
Statistical Analysis
The researchers used two perspectives for their analysis. First, they employed a conventional multivariable Cox analysis using self-reported alcohol consumption information. This analysis produced a “j-curve” graph that implied a protective effect for moderate drinking. Second, they looked at participants’ genetic data and used Mendelian randomization analyses to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia risk. Both analyses suggested a linear relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia risk.
Expert Opinions
Neurologist Clifford Segil, DO, explained that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant drug that causes brain atrophy. He emphasized that giving a patient with slow brain function a substance that slows brain function down more will worsen dementia. Ozan Toy, MD, MPH, noted that alcohol is a known neurotoxin and can negatively impact the brain’s memory center. Both experts agreed that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption for brain health.
Conclusion
The study concludes that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to dementia risk. While there may be some debate about the health benefits of light alcohol consumption, there are no brain health benefits to any alcohol consumption, even in small amounts. Other factors such as age, cardiometabolic disease, smoking, education, and socioeconomic factors likely have more substantial effects on dementia risk than alcohol. However, addressing alcohol consumption is an important avenue for prevention and should be considered for patients at risk of developing dementia.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 3.4.2: Alcohol-related death rate per 100,000 population.
- Indicator 3.4.3: Proportion of the population with alcohol use disorders.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Indicator 3.4.2: Alcohol-related death rate per 100,000 population. Indicator 3.4.3: Proportion of the population with alcohol use disorders. |
Explanation:
1. The article addresses the issue of alcohol consumption and its connection to dementia risk. This is relevant to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
2. The specific target under SDG 3 that can be identified is Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. This target encompasses the prevention of dementia, which is a non-communicable disease.
3. The article mentions the indicators that can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.4. These indicators include the alcohol-related death rate per 100,000 population (Indicator 3.4.2) and the proportion of the population with alcohol use disorders (Indicator 3.4.3). These indicators reflect the impact of alcohol consumption on health and well-being.
Source: medicalnewstoday.com
