Will Drinking Lead To Alzheimer?
Since it’s a New Year, and at New Year’s Eve everyone loves to have some champagne to ring in the New Year. We thought it would be a good idea to approach the subject of Alzheimer’s and Alcohol.
We all know that drinking excessively is not good for anyone – we stand by this firmly. However, what if we have a habit of drinking a glass of wine with dinner. Or a drink at a friend’s home on a social occasion. Will that cost us our health and lead us toward Alzheimer’s disease?
There is a ton of information for and against the argument of drinking alcohol or abstaining form it totally. When it comes to trying to stave off diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. We need to make sure the information we take in makes sense. One article we read made sense, with research to support its findings.
Informative Research
In the ABC News article, Alzheimer’s and Alcohol: The Real Connection, Dr. George Grossberg explores whether drinking alcohol promotes or prevents the disease. In his research, three groups of women (non-drinkers, mild drinkers and drinkers) were analysed. The ones who went from non-drinking to drinking or mild-drinking to heavier drinking were found to be more likely to have decreased memory. Those who were moderate drinkers and stayed that way did not gain or lose their risk for memory loss. So, from the sounds of this study. It probably won’t hurt you as a moderate drinker to keep on having a glass of champagne at celebrations. A glass of wine at meals or even liquor in your specialty coffee after dinner once in a while. Of course, keep it to a minimum as too much alcohol does lead to the destruction of memory.
It is important to note however, as the article does, that if the person in question already has mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. then it is not a good idea for them to drink any alcohol as it may affect their remaining memory. The alcohol may also react with their medications. You may want to consider offering them some sparkling apple juice. Or non-alcoholic beverage in a champagne or wine glass to make the occasion feel special.
I’ve known families who’ve had problems trying to wean their loved one with Alzheimer’s disease off of the drink to keep them and their brain healthier for longer – it’s not easy. If you’re having that problem and need support, please call me for some pointers, at 1-778-789-1496 or email me at [email protected].
Karen 🙂
