Dementia: Study decodes when you must stop drinking alcohol to protect brain health

Dementia: Study decodes when you must stop drinking alcohol to protect brain health

New Delhi: Dementia, a chronic condition characterised by cognitive decline and loss of memory, is a condition which can take a major toll on daily life activities and even mental health. It is often diagosed at an advanced stage and after one turns 65 and above. Although doctors and researchers have for long been unsure of the causes of the condition and its treatment, but as it turns out, lifestyle have a role to play in ageing. And when it comes to ageing, diet, alcohol use and smoking are some of the key risk factors. In a study, researchers have discovered that quitting alcohol at a particular time could do the trick in lowering dementia risk.

How does alcohol intake affect dementia risk?

According to experts, drinking too much alcohol and too often can lead to stress and inflammation and the same can cause neuron damage and impair cognitive function as well. Alcohol takes a toll on the neurotransmitter systems that are a must for memory, learning and exacerbating cognitive decline risk. Drinking too much alcohol compromises vascular health and overtinme spikes stroke and vascular dementia risk.

Experts say that overall health, genetics and alcohol tolerance also have a role to play in the same. But one must revaluate alcohol intake by the age of 65 years and ahead. This can lead a reduction in white matter volume in the brain, which is responsible for transmitting signals all over the brain. This disrupts normal functioning of the brain.

Researchers say that prolonged exposure to alcohol can contribute to thiamine deficiency ans it can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome which takes a negative toll on short-term memory. Furthermore, it is never too late to take up brain-healthy habits along with limiting alcohol intake and embracing a lifestlye which nurtures cognitive wellbeing. Regular workouts and maintaining a healthy diet with omega-3 fats and antioxidants can make the brain healthier in a long run. Therefore, it is imperative to bid farewell to alcohol to keep the brain healthier and disease-free.

 According to experts, drinking too much alcohol and too often can lead to stress and inflammation and the same can cause neuron damage and impair cognitive function as well. Alcohol takes a toll on the neurotransmitter systems that are a must for memory, learning and exacerbating cognitive decline risk.  Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare