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Heavy alcohol consumption has long been linked to many adverse health consequences, and it is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. [1] Alcohol is known to cause neuroinflammation and brain cell damage, but limited evidence has confirmed the long-term neurological impacts of heavy alcohol use. [2] However, a new study has helped to establish the effects on the brain associated with long-term alcohol use. [3]
Understanding the study and its key findings
A cross-sectional study published this year included 1,781 participants with an average age of 75 years. Data was collected from the Biobank of Aging Studies, including any signs of brain damage seen on autopsy. This was then evaluated alongside their alcohol drinking status (using the classifications of never consumed, moderate drinking, heavy drinking, or former heavy drinking) and their level of cognitive functioning before death.
One drink had 14g of alcohol in it, which is roughly 350 mL of beer, 150 mL of wine, or 45 mL of distilled spirits, and a heavy drinker was defined as having eight or more drinks per week. [4] The key findings are summarized below.
Brain pathology
Heavy and former heavy drinkers were found to have an increased incidence of hyaline arteriolosclerosis (thickening of the walls of small blood vessels) and neurofibrillary tangles (protein accumulations associated with Alzheimer’s disease). [3] Taking other factors into account, such as age, smoking status, and physical activity, heavy alcohol drinkers had 133% higher odds of developing a vascular brain lesion compared to someone who never drank. [4]
Brain mass
Former heavy drinkers had a lower brain-to-body mass ratio (the proportion of brain mass relative to body mass), as compared to the other groups. [3] This is linked to reduced brain functioning and is associated with several neurological disorders, including dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Cognitive function
Former heavy drinkers were also associated with reduced cognitive functioning, which is linked to the increased amount of hyaline arteriolosclerosis in this group. [3]
Implications for public health
Understanding the long-term impact on brain health from alcohol consumption is key to addressing this huge public health issue. Government guidance in the United States advises consuming no more than two alcoholic drinks per day for men and one per day for women. [5] With this new research, it will be interesting to see if this recommendation changes, as currently men could fall into the heavy drinking category despite being within the governmentally accepted ranges.
Recommendations regarding alcohol consumption
In general, it is held that for improved overall health, drinking less alcohol is better. Studies have shown that even low-level alcohol consumption can increase the risk of certain cancers, so abstinence is generally the best practice for better health. [6] For those who enjoy the occasional drink, aim for less than eight drinks per week to reduce the risk of poor brain health and other health concerns.
Final thoughts
This study has shown that regularly drinking eight or more alcoholic drinks per week can impact the brain, reducing its mass and decreasing cognitive function. To reduce the risk of these issues, consume less than eight drinks weekly. But remember, even small amounts of alcohol can have health consequences, so abstaining from drinking is best to help reduce the overall health risks associated with chronic alcohol use. If you are struggling to reduce your alcohol use, please reach out to a medical professional.
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