Author: Victoria Aly
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
According to a study, people who abstain from alcohol are more likely to develop dementia - about 65% more.
Abstinence from alcohol is associated with a 45% increased risk of dementia from an early age.
Those who abstain from alcohol are also at increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to a publication in the British Medical Journal.
It involved 9,087 people who were followed for about 20 years. Among them, 397 cases of dementia have been registered. According to the study, people who abstain from alcohol for a long time have the highest risk of dementia - about 65%.
Dementia is characterized by impaired memory and the ability to think, as well as loss of cognitive functions , which prevents the performance of normal activities in everyday life.
In general, the disease affects adults more . People who have been restricted from drinking alcohol since middle age have a higher risk of dementia.
Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to help prevent the condition by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. The best results are reported in the consumption of wine .
It contains polyphenolic compounds associated with protective effects on neurodegenerative and vascular pathways, as well as cardioprotective effects on reducing inflammation and altering the lipid profile. Wine is also rich in flavonoids , which have an antioxidant effect and neutralize free radicals in the body.
On the other hand, experts emphasize that both long-term absolute abstinence from alcohol and its excessive consumption lead to the disease.
As alcohol consumption increases, the risk of developing dementia increases. It is recommended not to exceed the dose of 14 alcohol units per week, ie. a bottle and a half of wine or 350 ml of hard alcohol per week.