Even small amounts of alcohol reduce the size of the brain

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The structure and size of the brain changes in people who drink, which leads to cognitive impairment. Many believe that they are not at risk if they do not exceed a certain level of alcohol consumption. However, just a few beers or glasses of wine per week can cause similar harm.

An analysis of data from more than 36,000 adults by a team from the University of Pennsylvania found that light to moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a decrease in the total volume of the brain. The study found that the link is stronger at higher levels of alcohol consumption.

For example, 50-year-olds who consume one glass of wine per day (two servings of alcohol) have concomitant changes in the brain equivalent to two-year aging. Going from two to three drinks at the same age is equivalent to aging by three and a half years.

“These results contradict scientific and government recommendations for safe limits on alcohol consumption,” emphasizes Henry Kranzler, the author responsible for correspondence, professor of psychiatry.