One of the hardest ideas to wrap one’s head around is the idea that alcohol consumption (in moderation) actually improves mental function and lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as we age. But a recent study from Germany adds to the already considerable evidence, and to the ongoing controversy. The study enrolled more than 3200 subjects aged 75 or more from primary care practices, and gathered detailed information about drinking and lifestyle patterns. Additionally, they were tested comprehensively for signs of declining mental function, and specifically Alzheimer’s dementia. The average age in the group was more than 80 years, and after 1.5 and 3 years of follow-up a clear benefit to the moderate drinking cohort was found. Drinkers were 30% less likely to experience mental decline, and 40% less likely to have Alzheimer’s.
The controversy relates to the question of moderate drinking as a lifestyle “marker” for a range of healthy behaviors. In other words, people in this group –as opposed to heavy drinkers or nondrinkers – tend to exercise more, be better integrated socially, less likely to be depressed, and have a higher level of education. If this is the case, so goes the reasoning, the alcohol has little to do with the health benefits. But the pattern held up even after these other factors, known as confounding variables, were accounted for in the statistical analysis.
In any case, what is clear is that moderate drinking in old age is associated with both measureable reduction in the odds of mental decline and the healthy lifestyle factors that are likely to also contribute. Independent data from other studies verifies that wine drinkers enjoy a higher quality of life in old age. My take on it is that there are synergies between living the good life and moderate drinking, much as the polyphenol molecules in wine seem to have the best effects in combination and with alcohol.
What is confounding to me is why we are still so conflicted on the question. It’s not like we are talking about keggers at the nursing home, just a glass or two of wine with dinner.
More info at AIM.
The controversy relates to the question of moderate drinking as a lifestyle “marker” for a range of healthy behaviors. In other words, people in this group –as opposed to heavy drinkers or nondrinkers – tend to exercise more, be better integrated socially, less likely to be depressed, and have a higher level of education. If this is the case, so goes the reasoning, the alcohol has little to do with the health benefits. But the pattern held up even after these other factors, known as confounding variables, were accounted for in the statistical analysis.
In any case, what is clear is that moderate drinking in old age is associated with both measureable reduction in the odds of mental decline and the healthy lifestyle factors that are likely to also contribute. Independent data from other studies verifies that wine drinkers enjoy a higher quality of life in old age. My take on it is that there are synergies between living the good life and moderate drinking, much as the polyphenol molecules in wine seem to have the best effects in combination and with alcohol.
What is confounding to me is why we are still so conflicted on the question. It’s not like we are talking about keggers at the nursing home, just a glass or two of wine with dinner.
More info at AIM.
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