Drinking alcohol regularly linked to living longer without dementia

Older adults who drink regularly are also less likely to suffer other cognitive impairments than non-drinkers, according to a University of California San Diego School of Medicine-led study.

Previous studies have found a correlation between moderate alcohol intake and living longer. “This study is unique because we considered men and women’s cognitive health at late age and

found that alcohol consumption is not only associated with reduced mortality, but with greater chances of remaining cognitively healthy into older age,” said Linda McEvoy, senior author and

an associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine.  The researchers found that among men and women 85 and older, individuals who consumed moderate to heavy amounts of alcohol five to

seven days a week were twice as likely to be cognitively healthy than non-drinkers. Experts analysed the cognitive health of participants every four years over the course of a 29-year

study. They used a standard dementia screening test known as the Mini Mental State Examination. Drinking was categorised as moderate, heavy or excessive using gender and age-specific

guidelines established by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Experts classed moderate drinking as consuming up to one alcoholic beverage a day for adult women of any age

and men aged 65 and older, and up to two drinks a day for adult men under age 65. Heavy drinking is defined as up to three alcoholic beverages per day for women of any adult age and men 65

and older and four drinks a day for adult men under 65. Drinking more than these amounts was categorised as excessive. "It is important to point out that there were very few individuals

in our study who drank to excess, so our study does not show how excessive or binge-type drinking may affect longevity and cognitive health in ageing,” said Professor McEvoy said. The

researchers said the study does not suggest drinking is responsible for increased longevity and cognitive health. Drinking alcohol, especially wine, the researchers said is linked to higher

incomes and educations levels. TOP 10 THINGS TO DO TO WARD OFF DEMENTIA This in tern is associated with lower rates of smoking, lower rates of mental illness and improved access to health

care.  Experts said there are ongoing debates about how alcohol impacts lifespan and protects against memory loss and cognitive impairment. “This study shows that moderate drinking may be

part of a healthy lifestyle to maintain cognitive fitness in ageing,” said Erin Richard, lead author on the study. “However, it is not a recommendation for everyone to drink. Some people

have health problems that are made worse by alcohol, and others cannot limit their drinking to only a glass or two per day. “For these people, drinking can have negative consequences.” The

findings are published in the August issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.