Moderate alcohol consumption causes brain atrophy
'18.08.2017'
Source: The Washington Post
American scientists have published a new study, which proves that even moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages causes brain atrophy. He writes about it The Washington Post.
For research, scientists have invited 550 volunteers. The average age fluctuated around the 43 years at the time of the study, and none of them had an addiction to alcohol.
Over the years, 30 scientists have monitored the use of alcoholic beverages and changes in the cognitive abilities of volunteers.
Testing showed that those who drank alcohol quite regularly had cognitive functions for three decades worse than those who drank alcoholic beverages rarely.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed hippocampal brain atrophy in the first group. In other words, in that part of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning new things, there was a loss of cells.
The second group, which consumed alcohol in moderation, also showed cell loss, but to a lesser extent.
Thus, scientists have refuted the findings that alcohol in moderate doses is useful. According to their conclusion, the most useful thing for the brain is to abstain from alcohol.
Researchers claim that almost all adults who consume alcoholic beverages are at risk and warn that self-hypnosis about moderate consumption is deceptive, since even small doses impair brain activity.
The current US guidelines describe moderate alcohol use in the form of one drink per day for women, and two for men. Examples of standard alcoholic beverages include 350 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine and 50 ml of liquor. The study authors wrote that their results “cast doubt on the current US guidelines.”
Scientists stipulate that the majority of participants were men, and the data were collected through questionnaires. To draw far-reaching conclusions for the entire population, more research will be needed in this area.
