A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia College of Public Health has found that moderate alcohol consumption in middle to older age can lead to better cognitive performance in memory and other cognitive tests. The study analyzed data from 19,887 participants in the Health and Retirement Study at the University of Michigan between 1996 and 2008. The participants’ cognitive abilities were tested through various memory and vocabulary tests. The results showed that those who drank moderately had better cognitive performance than those who abstained from alcohol.
The study defined moderate alcohol consumption as eight drinks per week for women and 15 drinks per week for men. The majority of participants were white (85%) and women (60%), with an average age of 61 years old. The study found that those who drank lightly had better vocabulary and memory test results than abstainers, and their cognitive performance was better overall. The study did not investigate the effects of alcohol on the brain, but previous research has shown that even small amounts of alcohol can cause the brain to age more quickly.
While the study’s findings may be surprising to some, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on cognitive function and overall health. The study’s authors caution that individuals should not start drinking alcohol in order to improve their cognitive abilities, and that moderation is key. The study’s results may be useful for healthcare professionals in advising their patients on the potential benefits and risks of moderate alcohol consumption.
