A recent study published in the journal Neurology has revealed that consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week is associated with brain lesions known as hyaline arteriolosclerosis, which can impair memory and cognitive function.
These brain lesions are signs of damaged blood vessels that can restrict blood flow and gradually harm brain tissue.
The study highlights alarming statistics regarding heavy drinking, noting that heavy and former heavy drinkers had significantly higher odds of developing tau tangles, a biomarker closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, researchers found that former drinkers displayed reduced brain mass and worse cognitive performance, while heavy drinkers tended to die, on average, 13 years earlier than non-drinkers.
In terms of lesion risk, heavy drinkers exhibited a staggering 133% higher likelihood of developing brain lesions compared to their non-drinking counterparts.
Among the findings, it is notable that tau tangles were identified more often in heavy and former heavy drinkers.
The evidence suggests that heavy drinkers, who averaged eight or more alcoholic drinks weekly, are at an increased risk for these damaging brain lesions.
The findings are particularly concerning, as the research does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, but rather indicates a clear association between heavy alcohol consumption and brain injury.
Hyaline arteriolosclerosis is characterized by the narrowing, thickening, and stiffening of small blood vessels, which complicates blood flow and can lead to long-term damage to brain tissue over time.
Study author Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo, PhD, of the University of São Paulo Medical School in Brazil, emphasizes the pressing importance of understanding how alcohol consumption impacts brain health as individuals age.
“Heavy alcohol consumption is a major global health concern linked to increased health problems and death,” said Justo.
The study involved the autopsy of 1,781 individuals, all of whom had an average age of 75 at the time of death.
Researchers meticulously examined brain tissue for signs of injury, including the presence of tau tangles and hyaline arteriolosclerosis.
Family members of participants provided information regarding their drinking habits, with individuals categorized into four different groups: 965 participants who never drank, 319 moderate drinkers who consumed seven or fewer drinks weekly; 129 heavy drinkers who indulged in eight or more drinks weekly; and 368 former heavy drinkers.
In defining a single drink, the researchers noted that it equated to having approximately 14 grams of alcohol, which corresponds to about 350 milliliters (ml) of beer, 150 ml of wine, or 45 ml of distilled spirits.
The results indicated that 40% of non-drinkers had vascular brain lesions, while 45% of moderate drinkers showed similar signs.
Among heavy drinkers, 44% had vascular brain lesions, and the rate soared to 50% for former heavy drinkers.
After controlling for various influencing factors such as age at death, smoking, and levels of physical activity, heavy drinkers were found to have 133% higher odds of presenting vascular brain lesions when compared with non-drinkers.
Former heavy drinkers had an 89% higher odds, while moderate drinkers displayed a 60% increase in risk.
The study revealed that not only did heavy and former heavy drinkers show higher probabilities of tau tangles, with 41% and 31% increased odds respectively, but former heavy drinkers were also associated with a lower brain mass ratio and poorer cognitive skills.
Interestingly, there were no significant correlations found between moderate or heavy drinking and brain mass ratio or cognitive abilities.
Justo pointed out that cognitive impairments were specifically observed in former drinkers alongside brain injuries.
Furthermore, heavy drinkers faced an average reduction in lifespan, dying an astounding 13 years earlier than individuals who abstained from alcohol.
“We found heavy drinking is directly linked to signs of injury in the brain, and this can cause long-term effects on brain health, which may impact memory and thinking abilities,” Justo stated.
He underscored the importance of increasing public awareness regarding the detrimental effects of heavy alcohol consumption and the necessity for preventive measures to curb drinking habits.
A limitation of the study was the lack of pre-death data and information concerning the duration of alcohol consumption, as well as the cognitive performance of the participants.
The study was supported by The São Paulo Research Foundation, shedding light on the critical need for continued research into alcohol use disorder and cognitive health.
image source from：https://neurosciencenews.com/aud-lesions-cognition-brain-28589/
