#TauTangles

A new study in Neurology reveals troubling links between heavy alcohol use and brain health risks, with implications for Thai readers who frequently part of social drinking culture. Researchers find that eight or more alcoholic drinks per week correlate with a higher likelihood of vascular brain lesions known as hyaline arteriolosclerosis, which are associated with memory and cognitive impairment. The findings emphasize the potential long-term brain health costs of heavy drinking and invite conversations about healthier social norms in Thailand.

A recent study published in Neurology has uncovered alarming associations between heavy alcohol consumption and significant brain health risks, bringing this global health concern closer to home for Thai readers. The research highlights that consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week is linked to an increased risk of brain lesions known as hyaline arteriolosclerosis, which are associated with memory and cognitive impairments. This finding is particularly pertinent for a society where social drinking is common, raising awareness about the potential long-term impacts on brain health.

New lab tests are aiming to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease by measuring cognitive decline rather than solely counting brain plaques. Researchers say this approach may better indicate when memory and thinking are actually affected, helping guide earlier and more effective treatments. Historically, amyloid plaques were seen as a hallmark of Alzheimer’s, but their presence doesn’t always align with dementia symptoms.

One notable development is a blood test targeting tau tangles, the abnormal protein clumps linked to Alzheimer’s. Scientists are focusing on a region of tau called MTBR-tau243, which appears more closely tied to cognitive symptoms than amyloid deposits. This shift could improve how clinicians assess disease progression and tailor interventions.