Moderate Drinking Could Lower Dementia Risk

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Moderate drinking could help prevent dementia, according to a new analysis of previous studies. Researchers from Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago reviewed 143 studies involving more than 365,000 people from 19 countries. They found that moderate drinkersâ€"i.e., one drink a day for women and two for menâ€"were 23 percent less likely than nondrinkers and heavy drinkers to develop dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other types of cognitive impairment. Though it's unclear why moderate drinking may be protective, the researchers speculate that alcohol toughens brain cells, and moderate amounts could suppress the inflammation that contributes to Alzheimer's, reports HealthDay. "We don't recommend that nondrinkers start drinking. But moderate drinkingâ€"if it is truly moderateâ€"can be beneficial," said study author Edward J. Neafsey, a professor in the department of molecular pharmacology and therapeutics, in a news release. -- http://health.usnews.com/health-news/managing-your-healthcare/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/08/19/health-buzz-moderate-drinking-could-lower-dementia-risk