Drinking in Your 60s May Damage Brain Health

Renowned neurologist and author Dr. Restak warns that excessive drinking can harm brain health. In his book “How To Prevent Dementia,” he highlights the dangers of large quantities of booze, stating it’s a direct neurotoxin.

Dr. Restak advises people to reassess their relationship with alcohol, especially if they use it to elevate mood and reduce anxiety. While moderate wine consumption for social enjoyment or tasting purposes may be less concerning, he still recommends limiting intake.

A key age factor is 65, as Dr. Restak suggests eliminating alcohol from the diet due to increased risk of falls among the elderly. Falls are responsible for a significant number of accidental deaths, and excessive drinking can exacerbate this issue.

Dr. Restak explains that alcohol overconsumption can lead to Korsakoff’s syndrome, a condition characterized by severe memory loss and confusion. This occurs when thiamine levels become depleted, affecting recent memory and leading to confabulation – where individuals fill in gaps with fabricated memories.

Dr. Restak also notes that excessive drinking can impact B12 levels, further compromising brain health. He strongly advises people 65 or older to stop drinking entirely to minimize risk of dementia and related issues.

Source: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/best-age-to-stop-drinking_uk_6777bf0ae4b0f0fdb7b140e4