Moderate Drinking Might Help Older People Avoid Dementia

BEACON TRANSCRIPT – Although the general belief says drinking is bad for the brain, a recent study seems to contradict it. If you are a moderate but regular drinker, you have all the chances to live free of dementia until the age of 85. Also, any other types of cognitive decline associated with old age are kept away.

There are many studies looking at the benefits of drinking alcohol. Some of them associate moderate drinking with living longer. The new research suggests that you not only live longer, but are also protected from dementia or from other types of brain impairments.

Moderate drinking keeps dementia away

Researchers analyzed the cognitive health of several men and women aged 85 or older. This is how they noticed those who were either moderate or heavy drinkers had a much healthier brain than the others. Also, they had to be regular drinkers, meaning they consumed alcohol from five to seven days a week.

The study was longitudinal, meaning that it went on for 29 years. Once every four years, researchers assessed the cognitive state of the participants, and had them undergo standard screening methods for dementia. Results might suggest that moderate drinking can belong in a healthy lifestyle, and might be incredibly beneficial for brain health.

How to keep your brain healthy if you cannot drink alcohol

However, this doesn’t mean everybody should start practicing this habit. Some people have certain health problems which prevent them from drinking alcohol. Therefore, choosing such a ‘diet’ would only make their condition worse, and they are not advised to follow it.

Do not despair, as there are other ways to keep your brain healthy without including alcohol. For instance, dancing can reduce the dementia risk by 67 percent. Also, consuming healthy oils is beneficial. These include olive oil, or even fish oil, which contains the incredibly nourishing omega-3 acids.
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