Commenting on yesterday’s report from the University of Oxford and University College London about alcohol consumption and possible brain harm Dave Roberts Director General of the Alcohol Information Partnership said:
“The findings from this report indicate that drinkers that heed the Chief Medical Officer’s advice and drink in moderation can do so without fear of increasing their risk of harm. Government data shows that the vast majority of people do stick to the Chief Medical Officer’s advice, with 75% of UK adults now drinking 14 units of alcohol or less per week.
“There is a body of existing research that suggests moderate consumption of alcohol is associated with lower rates of cognitive decline. Research continues to indicate that to maintain good health people should avoid smoking, eat a balanced diet, take regular exercise and if choosing to drink alcohol they should do so in moderation.”
Notes
The studies below indicate that moderate alcohol consumption has an association with lower rates of cognitive decline
References
Anstey et al. Alcohol Consumption as a Risk Factor for Dementia and Cognitive Decline: Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies(2009)
Hoang et al. Alcohol consumption patterns and cognitive impairment in older women. (2014)
Ruitenberg et al. Alcohol consumption and risk of dementia: the Rotterdam Study (2002)
Nooyens et al. Consumption of alcoholic beverages and cognitive decline at middle age: the Doetinchem Cohort Study. (2014)
Mukamal, K. J., Longstreth, W. T., Jr., Mittleman, M. A., Crum, R. M., & Siscovick, D. S. (2001). Alcohol consumption and subclinical findings on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in older adults: The cardiovascular health study. Stroke, 32, 1939–1946.
ENDS
For further information please contact Dave Roberts on 07733323350 or dave@alcoholinfopartnership.co.uk