While studies suggested that some (1-3 oz per day) alcohol, particularly from red wine, might increase endorphins and be helpful for the gut and brain in some ways, more recent research suggests caution. Also there may be some genetic factors in play here, as some people seem to do better with some alcohol than others.
However, a recent British study at Oxford University found that even moderate drinking is linked to shrinkage in areas of the brain involved in cognition and learning. Researchers analyzed data from participants in the Whitehall Study over 30 years. Those who had the equivalent of four or more drinks a day had almost six times the risk of hippocampal shrinkage (associated with memory and reasoning) compared to nondrinkers. Moderate drinkers had three times the risk. Heavy drinkers were also more likely to experience a reduction in word recall ability.
And while a “moderate” amount of alcohol has been shown to facilitate some cognitive abilities, such as fluent verbal expression, once memory or other cognitive issues set in, the party is over, as almost any alcohol consumption thereafter seems to contribute to the above noted problems.
Additionally, the prolonged over consumption of alcohol is strongly associated with neurological changes and cognitive decline due to the loss of an important nutrient called thiamine (Vitamin B1) and a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Here’s is some information on that subject from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a neurological disorder caused by the lack of thiamine (vitamin B1). The disorder includes Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff amnesic syndrome which are not different conditions but different stages of the same disease (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome). Wernicke's encephalopathy represents the "acute" phase of the disorder and Korsakoff's amnesic syndrome represents the disorder progressing to a "chronic" or long-lasting stage. The disorder's main features are problems in acquiring new information or establishing new memories, and in retrieving previous memories.
Wernicke's encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disorder caused by the lack of vitamin B1. It may result from:
B1 deficiency causes damage to the brain's thalamus and hypothalamus. Symptoms include:
Treatment involves replacement of thiamine and providing proper nutrition and hydration. In individuals with Wernicke's encephalopathy, it is very important to start thiamine (for Benfotiamine – which seems to work better) replacement before beginning other nutritional replenishment. In some cases, drug therapy is also recommended. Stopping alcohol use may prevent further nerve and brain damage.
Most symptoms of Wernicke's encephalopathy can be reversed if detected and treated promptly and completely. However, improvement in memory function is slow and, usually, incomplete. Without treatment, these disorders can be disabling and life-threatening.
The Cleveland Clinic notes:
Wernicke encephalopathy develops most often in people with alcohol use disorder. Long-term (chronic) alcohol use irritates your stomach and digestive tract. It also interferes with your body’s ability to absorb vitamins (malabsorption). An estimated 80% of people with alcohol addiction don’t absorb or retain enough thiamine.
WKS also happens in people who can’t properly absorb food due to certain conditions. It may develop after weight loss (bariatric) surgery or as a side effect of chemotherapy. Also:
For additional insights from the Cleveland Clinic go to their website at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22687-wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome
