Researchers from the University of São Paulo Medical School have linked moderate alcohol consumption to brain changes associated with dementia. The study, published in Neurology, analysed 1,781 brain samples collected by the São Paulo Autopsy Service.
Emerging Evidence of Alcohol’s Impact on Neurological Health
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke among the known health risks linked to alcohol. Its effects on the brain, however, remain under investigation. A new study contributes to this research, indicating that even moderate drinking may lead to serious neurological consequences.
Post-Mortem Analysis Reveals Key Brain Pathologies
According to the findings, moderate drinkers were more likely to develop hyaline arteriolosclerosis than those who never drank, while heavy drinkers had a 133% increased risk. Neurofibrillary tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, were also more frequently observed in heavy and former heavy drinkers.
Lower brain weights and poorer Clinical Dementia Rating scores were recorded among former heavy drinkers. The study suggested these effects were driven by vascular changes rather than direct cognitive damage. Commenting on the study, Dr Haris Kamal said, “Such a progressive thickening of the arterial walls and increased deposition of neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein can lead to cognitive impairment including dementia.”
Limitations Highlight the Need for Broader yet Longitudinal Research
The researchers noted key limitations, including reliance on family reports for alcohol history, which may have led to errors. The study’s cross-sectional nature and its focus on one population restricted broader conclusions.
They also reported a survival bias, as some heavy drinkers may have died earlier, reducing the prevalence of related health conditions in the sample.
Vitamin levels, which could influence brain health, were not measured. Still, the data drew attention. “While still noting survival bias is present, the study gives hope to those health care providers who look for data sets to support them during motivational interviewing,” said Tony Thrasher, DO.
Clinical and Public Health Implications for Alcohol Use Guidance
The study suggests that brain health could be affected even at moderate levels of alcohol intake. Alberto Justo, PhD, said the results indicate a need for greater public awareness. “We also observed that former heavy drinkers had reduced brain mass and poorer cognitive abilities… These findings suggest the need for increased awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption on brain health.” Clinicians may also need to revise their approach.
Dr Haris Kamal warned of “accelerated subcortical disease,” which over time may manifest in cognitive decline and conditions such as vascular dementia.
Conclusion
Dr Justo said that ongoing research is needed to track the long-term cognitive effects of alcohol use across different consumption levels. He stressed that, for now, the evidence supports caution, as even modest alcohol use may lead to consequences that are relevant for both public awareness and clinical care.