A Drink a Day, Good for the Brain?
Reported January 20, 2005
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — Consuming moderate amounts of alcohol of any type doesn’t appear to impair cognitive function in women and may actually decrease the risk of cognitive decline, according to a new study.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School in Boston evaluated the cognitive function in 12,480 women, ages 70 to 81, who participated in the Nurse’s Health Study. They also reviewed 11,102 follow-up assessments two years later.
Results show moderate drinkers (those consuming less than 15 grams of alcohol, or about one drink, per day) had better average cognitive scores than non-drinkers. Researchers also found no significant difference in the risk of cognitive decline between moderate drinkers and nondrinkers.
In addition, the study revealed no significant associations between higher levels of drinking (15 grams to 30 grams) and the risk of cognitive impairment or decline. What drink was consumed (i.e. beer, wine) made no difference in the results.
Researchers note past studies showed a strong correlation between moderate alcohol consumption and a decrease in the risk for cardiovascular disease, a condition sharing some of the same risk factors as cognitive impairment.
Authors conclude, “Our data suggest that in women, up to one drink per day does not impair cognitive function and may actually decrease the risk for cognitive decline.”
SOURCE: The New England Journal of Medicine, 2005;352:245-253