Study finds benefits from moderate drinking, but it's complicated when it comes to alcohol and dementia

 

A study of over 4 million South Koreans found that limiting alcohol use to one or two drinks per day decreased the risk of dementia.

However, a study released on Monday in the journal JAMA Network Open found that exceeding two drinks per day enhanced that risk.

First author Dr. Keun Hye Jeon, an assistant professor at CHA Gumi Medical Center, CHA University in Gumi, South Korea, said in an email, "We found that maintaining mild to moderate alcohol consumption as well as reducing alcohol consumption from a heavy to moderate level were associated with a decreased risk of dementia."

But experts advise against rushing to the booze store.

According to Dr. Richard Isaacson, a preventive neurologist at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases of Florida and an expert in Alzheimer's disease, "This study was well done and is extremely robust with 4 million subjects, but we need be cautious not to over interpret the findings." He wasn't a part of the recent investigation.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking too much alcohol over time can cause digestive issues, heart and liver disease, hypertension, stroke, and a weakened immune system. Alcohol usage can also be a risk factor for breast and other malignancies.

There are many warning signs of Alzheimer's. For instance, Isaacson advised against drinking if you carry one or two copies of the APOE4 gene mutation, which increases your risk of acquiring the disease that robs you of your mind.

About 25% of the US population contains one copy of APOE4, which has been found to have negative effects on brain outcomes in those at risk.

The new study looked at the medical records of those covered by the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), which offers insured South Koreans aged 40 and over a free health exam twice a year. Examiners also enquired about each person's drinking, smoking, and fitness habits in addition to administering numerous tests.

The study examined data gathered between 2009 and 2011 and divided participants into groups based on their self-reported drinking habits. People were classified as "moderate" drinkers if they claimed to consume less than 15 grams (about 0.5 ounces) of alcohol per day.

Typically, a drink in the United States has 14 grams of alcohol in it, which is equivalent to 12 ounces of ordinary beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.