Even a small amount of alcohol increases the risk of dementia

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Just one glass of wine a day can lead to the development a common type of dementia – Alzheimer's disease, as well as Parkinson's disease. This is evidenced by a new study by Oxford University scientists.

Analysis of data from 21,000 people – participants in the British Biobank – proved that even moderate alcohol consumption can negatively affect brain health, Studyfinds writes. For example, drinking seven or more units of alcohol per week was associated with markers of higher iron levels in the basal ganglia, which control motor skills, eye movements, cognition, emotions and various actions. (A standard unit, or unit of alcohol, is the amount of pure alcohol in ml or g, one unit equals approximately 290 ml of beer/camp/cider, half a standard glass of wine or one portion of strong alcohol).

Accumulation iron also increased in other areas of the brain, which are associated with the deterioration of mental abilities. Experts explain: alcohol inhibits the hormone that controls the absorption of iron by the body. This leads to deterioration of brain function.

“Higher content of iron in the brain, in turn, is associated with lower cognitive abilities, – explains the lead author of the study, Dr. Anya Topivala. – Accumulation of iron may underlie the decline of cognitive functions”.

Researchers note that patients with dementia have higher levels of iron in some areas of the brain. A similar picture was observed in people with Parkinson's disease. As the scientists emphasize, the new findings are consistent with their earlier work, which indicates that there may be no safe level of alcohol consumption for brain health.