A new study highlights the potential brain health risks of heavy drinking. Researchers report that consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week is associated with brain lesions called hyaline arteriolosclerosis, which reflect damaged blood vessels and reduced blood flow that can affect memory and thinking.
The findings also point to an increased presence of tau tangles, a biomarker connected to Alzheimer’s disease, among heavy drinkers and those with a history of heavy drinking. The research further suggests that former drinkers may have lower brain mass and poorer cognitive performance, while heavy drinkers showed a higher likelihood of earlier mortality compared with those who abstain.
The study analyzed 1,781 participants with an average age at death of 75. Brain autopsies categorized participants by drinking habits. Heavy drinkers had a 133% higher risk of vascular brain lesions than non-drinkers. Former heavy drinkers faced an 89% higher risk, and moderate drinkers a 60% higher risk.
Lead author Dr. Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo of the University of Sao Paulo Medical School stressed that excessive alcohol can harm the brain and undermine memory and cognitive function as people age.
Former heavy drinkers appeared most affected by reduced brain mass and cognitive decline, while moderate drinkers did not show the same associations. Although the study’s scope was broad, it carries important implications for public health in Thailand, where drinking norms and alcohol-related health concerns are evolving.
The researchers note limitations, including no pre-death cognitive assessments. Still, the findings reinforce the importance of mindful alcohol use and regular health check-ups, especially for older adults.
For Thai communities, integrating alcohol education into public health strategies and promoting routine cognitive screening can help safeguard longevity and quality of life. Thai readers are encouraged to consider moderation and proactive health monitoring as part of a healthy lifestyle.
According to research from leading international institutions, these insights contribute to a growing understanding of how lifestyle choices influence brain aging and dementia risk.