Moderate alcohol drinkers are less affected by dementia than abstainers, according to a new study.
Drinking alcohol in moderation would protect against senile dementia. In any case, more than not drinking it at all. This is the result of a study, published in the British Medical Journal. Almost 9,000 British civil servants born between 1930 and 1950 were followed for 23 years.
47% higher risk
Aged 30 to 50, those who reported never drinking alcohol were at a 47% higher risk of developing senile dementia than those who reported moderate drinking (i.e. one to fourteen sips of alcohol per week). Senile dementia is a progressive disease. It designates a loss of cognitive functions and particularly affects the elderly.
On the other hand, the researchers of the study emphasize that it is not worthwhile to start drinking without moderation. Because consuming alcohol beyond the recommended limit increases the risk of developing senile dementia. In addition, the published results should be taken with hindsight. This study remains a statistical study only. It does not establish a cause and effect link.
There is danger to health
Cancers, cirrhosis, heart problems… Everyone now knows what the risks of excessive alcohol consumption are. According to a recent study, it would take between one and three glasses of alcohol per week to minimize the risk of developing cancer or premature death.
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