A recent study found that even small amounts of booze can increase your risk of dementia, contradicting previous research that suggested light-to-moderate drinking may protect against cognitive decline. The 559,559 adult participants in the UK and US who were part of the study showed a U-shaped graph with non-drinkers and heavy drinkers at the highest risk of developing dementia.
The researchers suggest cutting out drinking altogether as the best way to minimize dementia risk later in life. They analyzed genetic records for 2.4 million people, finding that higher predicted alcohol consumption led to a higher dementia risk, with no dip for light drinkers. The study suggests halving the population prevalence of alcohol use disorder could reduce dementia cases by up to 16%.
While there are limitations to the study, including self-reported drinking habits and reliance on genetic data, the research adds solid evidence to the growing body of studies linking increased alcohol intake to increased dementia risk.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/there-may-be-no-safe-amount-of-booze-when-it-comes-to-dementia-risk