Avoid THIS drink by 60 to lower Alzheimer’s risk and improve memory |

As we grow older, protecting cognitive health becomes increasingly important. Research consistently shows that lifestyle choices significantly impact memory preservation and the risk of cognitive decline. Among these factors, alcohol consumption is particularly influential, as it directly affects brain function and structure. Excessive or chronic drinking can impair memory, accelerate brain atrophy, and increase the risk of dementia, while moderate, mindful consumption may reduce such risks. By understanding alcohol’s effects and making conscious decisions, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their cognitive health, supporting sharper memory, clearer thinking, and overall brain resilience well into later life.

How alcohol affects your brain and makes your memory worse

According to a study published in the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), chronic alcohol consumption can interfere with the brain’s communication pathways, affecting areas responsible for balance, memory, speech, and judgment. This interference makes it harder for these brain regions to perform their functions, leading to an increased likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes. Long-term heavy drinking can cause alterations in neurons, such as reductions in their size, which can impair cognitive functions1. Disruption of neural pathwaysChronic alcohol consumption can interfere with the brain’s neural pathways, particularly those involved in memory formation and retrieval. The hippocampus, a region critical for memory processing, is especially vulnerable. Studies have shown that excessive drinking can lead to hippocampal atrophy, impairing both short-term and long-term memory functions.2. Vitamin deficiencies and cognitive declineAlcohol abuse often leads to nutritional deficiencies, notably a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1). Thiamine is essential for energy production in brain cells; its deficiency can result in conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, characterised by severe memory impairments and cognitive dysfunction.

Early cognitive signs of alcohol impact

Even before full-blown dementia develops, chronic alcohol use can cause subtle cognitive changes, including:

Highlighting these early signs is important, as it helps individuals recognise risks before serious, long-term damage occurs. Awareness of these symptoms can encourage timely lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake and adopting brain-healthy habits, to protect memory and overall cognitive function.

Excessive alcohol consumption doesn’t just affect the liver or heart; it can have serious long-term consequences for the brain. Dementia is a broad term for a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life, affecting memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Research increasingly shows that drinking beyond recommended limits can raise the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Even moderate alcohol intake over time may accelerate brain changes, such as shrinkage and plaque buildup, making it essential for adults to understand how alcohol impacts cognitive health and take steps to protect their memory as they age.1. Increased risk of dementiaLong-term heavy drinking is a well-established risk factor for various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Research indicates that individuals who consume alcohol above recommended limits over extended periods have a heightened risk of developing dementia.2. Accelerated brain atrophyEven moderate alcohol intake can accelerate brain atrophy, particularly in individuals already at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have found that alcohol consumption can increase the number of amyloid plaques, protein accumulations associated with Alzheimer’s, in the brain, potentially hastening the disease’s progression.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.Also read | Early symptoms of throat cancer you shouldn’t ignore: Ear pain, persistent bad breath, voice changes, and more