Alcohol Consumption - Possible Protective Factors: Alzheimers
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Alcohol consumption
Epidemiological studies have found evidence that moderate alcohol consumption reduces risk for Alzheimer's disease. A 2003 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, for example, found that people over age 65 who drank up to one alcoholic beverage a day had about half the risk of Alzheimer's disease as nondrinkers. And a study reported in 2005 by researchers in New York found that resveratrol, a compound in red wine, broke down beta-amyloid in the laboratory — suggesting that red wine in particular may be protective. But further study is needed. In the meantime, experts do not recommend drinking alcohol to fend off Alzheimer's disease. If you do drink, limit your consumption to two drinks a day for men and one drink for women. Heavy drinkers in the JAMA study cited above had a 22% higher risk than the nondrinkers.
| Last updated: | January 23, 2007 |
|---|
Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, Use of Content Agreement and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Related Articles
- Cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease
- Should I put my relative with Alzheimer's or other dementia in a nursing home?
- In search of Alzheimer's disease
- Should I put my relative with Alzheimer's or other dementia in a nursing home?
- Ask the Expert: Sense of Smell Loss
See all related articles
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
