newjerseynewsroom.com

BY MARGARET MORGAN

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

In the biggest study ever, it was found that moderate social drinking significantly reduces the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, according to an analysis of 143 studies by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researchers.

Wine was more beneficial than beer or spirits. But this finding was based on a relatively small number of studies, because most papers did not distinguish among different types of alcohol.

It is well accepted that a glass of wine is good for your heart and reduces coronary artery and cardiovascular diseases, according to Edward J. Neafsey, Ph.D., a co-author of the study carried out at Loyola. He explained that they don't recommend that nondrinkers start drinking, but moderate drinking — if it is truly moderate — can be beneficial. Moderate drinking is defined as a maximum of two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

Results are reported in the journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. The co-authors, Neafsey and Michael A. Collins, Ph.D., are professors in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Researchers reviewed studies dating to 1977 that included 365,000 participants. There were 74 papers that calculated the ratios of risk between drinkers and nondrinkers; while 69 papers simply stated whether cognition in drinkers was better, the same or worse than cognition in nondrinkers. Neafsey and Collins did a meta-analysis of the studies that calculated risk ratios and found that moderate drinkers were 23 percent less likely to develop dementia or cognitive decline. Heavy drinking (more than three to five drinks per day) was associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, but this finding was not statistically significant.

Other findings included: the protective effect of moderate drinking held up after adjusting for age, education, sex and smoking; and there was no difference in the effects of alcohol on men and women.

It is unknown why moderate drinking can have a beneficial effect. One theory suggests that the well-known cardiovascular benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, such as raising good HDL cholesterol, also can improve blood flow in the brain and thus brain metabolism.

Another possible explanation is that small amounts of alcohol might, in effect, make brain cells more fit. Alcohol in moderate amounts stresses cells and thus toughens them up to cope with major stresses down the road that could cause dementia.

For people who drink responsibly and in moderation, there's probably no reason to quit. But because of the potential for alcohol to be abused, Neafsey and Collins do not recommend that abstainers begin drinking.