For many Australians over 50, enjoying a glass of wine with dinner is a cherished ritual. It’s a moment to unwind after a long day, to savour the flavours that complement a good meal, and perhaps even to toast to one’s health. However, recent research suggests that this seemingly innocuous habit could have more serious implications for our brain health than we might have thought.
A study conducted by the University of Sao Paulo Medical School in Brazil has unearthed some unsettling findings about the effects of regular alcohol consumption on the brain. The research, which involved examining brain autopsies of 1,781 individuals and collecting data on their drinking habits from relatives, has revealed a stark warning for those who indulge in more than one glass of wine each night.
The study, published in the prestigious journal Neurology, found that heavy drinkers—defined as those consuming eight or more glasses of wine per week—had a 133 per cent higher likelihood of developing brain lesions compared to non-drinkers. These lesions, known as hyaline arteriolosclerosis, are particularly concerning because they lead to the narrowing and hardening of small blood vessels in the brain. Over time, this can restrict blood flow and cause tissue damage, potentially resulting in cognitive decline and dementia, conditions that affect millions of people worldwide.
Moreover, the research indicated that heavy drinkers had a 41 per cent greater chance of developing toxic protein tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Alarmingly, the average lifespan of heavy drinkers was found to be 13 years shorter than those who abstained from alcohol.
It’s important to note that one drink was quantified as containing 14 grams of pure alcohol, equivalent to 12 fl oz of beer, 5 fl oz of wine, or 1.5 fl oz of distilled spirits like rum or vodka. The study categorised 965 participants as non-drinkers, 319 as moderate drinkers (seven or fewer drinks per week), 129 as heavy drinkers, and 368 as former heavy drinkers.
Even moderate drinkers were not in the clear, with a 60 per cent increased risk of brain lesions compared to non-drinkers and former heavy drinkers showing an 89 per cent higher risk. These findings underscore the potential long-term consequences of alcohol consumption, even at levels that many might consider safe or moderate.
The study’s lead author, Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo, emphasised the importance of understanding alcohol’s impact on the ageing brain, stating that heavy consumption is a significant global health concern linked to a myriad of health issues and premature death. Justo’s call for increased public health awareness and preventive measures to reduce heavy drinking is echoed by the World Health Organisation, which warns that no level of alcohol consumption is safe.
Alcohol’s role in contributing to nearly 100,000 cancer cases and about 20,000 deaths each year cannot be overlooked. The US Surgeon General has outlined four ways alcohol can cause cancer, including its breakdown into the carcinogenic substance acetaldehyde, the generation of reactive oxygen species that damage DNA, the alteration of hormone levels, and the facilitation of other carcinogens’ absorption into the body.
In light of these findings, it’s worth considering the potential risks associated with our evening glass of wine. While the study did not assess participants before death and lacked information on the duration of alcohol consumption and cognitive ability rankings, the evidence is compelling enough to give us pause.
As we navigate the choices that affect our health and well-being, it’s crucial to stay informed and make decisions that support our long-term health. So, before you pour your next glass of wine, think about the potential impact on your brain health and whether moderation or abstinence might be the wiser path.
Have these findings influenced your thoughts on wine consumption? Will you be making any changes to your drinking habits? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and let’s discuss how we can all lead healthier lives as we age.
Also read: How are non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits made — and how healthy are they?
