Abuse of alcohol increases the risk of dementia in old age
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Specialists from the UK conducted a new study on alcohol. As it turned out, the abuse of alcohol provokes the development of dementia. As Dr. Alstair Burns noted, alcohol in large doses affects the brain and in old age it can turn into senile dementia.
New Year is always associated with a person with the onset of a new life, with new opportunities, scientists believe that the new year is an excellent opportunity to start living in a new way and reconsider their habits. First of all, you should reconsider the amount of alcohol consumed, especially on Christmas holidays.
The British Council of National Health and Medical Research has established an alcohol norm for an adult person - no more than two units per day (2 small glasses of wine), otherwise the risk of injuries and alcohol-related illnesses increases.
In another study by Western experts it was found that alcohol helps to strengthen immunity, especially this is relevant for the cold season. However, this benefit from alcohol is observed only when a person does not abuse alcohol.
Such conclusions helped to make specialists experiences, during which they tried to improve the body's immune response to vaccination. For the experiment, scientists selected six monkeys, who were given alcoholic cocktails (4% alcohol). Animals used such drinks for 1 year and 2 months (also scientists created a control group of monkeys). Each animal was vaccinated against smallpox.
Just like in the case of humans, monkeys had a different reaction to alcohol. Scientists immediately noted active and moderately drinking individuals.
Animals that "liked" to drink, the response to the vaccine was less weak compared to the animals in the control group. In moderately drinking primates, the response to vaccination, on the contrary, became stronger.
In addition, scientists noted that alcohol will not help, if the disease is already in the body, alcohol will only lead to more severe dehydration and worsen the course of the disease.
Recently, another study was conducted on alcohol. As you know, alcohol increases a person's tendency to commit suicide, but in Missouri, scientists have noted that more of this is caused by insomnia caused by alcohol, rather than the fact of consumption.
For the experiment, the specialists selected a group of students (375 people) who filled out a questionnaire that assessed the symptoms of insomnia, nightmares, drinking, suicidal tendencies. After analyzing all the data, scientists came to the conclusion that drinking alcohol significantly increases suicidal tendencies among women. In the course of further research, experts found that insomnia was the key between alcohol consumption and suicidal tendencies.
Also, experts noted that among men, drinking did not in any way affect suicidal tendencies, but insomnia with alcohol consumption significantly increased suicidal risk among males volunteers.
Researchers summarized that the findings should be taken into account when developing plans to reduce suicide risks.
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