ArcaMax

"Drink to me only with thine eyes" is the first line in a 17th-century poem by Ben Jonson -- and he might have been on to something. A study in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine that looked at data on more than half a million folks ages 56 to 72 reveals that, while light alcohol consumption is associated with a low risk for dementia, there's no evidence that any level of alcohol is ever good for the brain, and it is always associated with some increased risk of dementia. (The more you drink, the greater the risk).

Why is alcohol harmful to brain health? It probably comes from a combination of influences, including potential liver damage (half of the liver disease deaths in the U.S. are alcohol-related), disruption of the gut biome, inflammation of the blood vessels, damage to brain neurons, and interference with the brain's communication pathways.

So, save your indulgences for a toast at a special occasion. Enjoy the new roster of non-alcoholic mocktails (go easy on sugary ones), beers and wines now on the market. And if you do drink more than that, limit it to one to two drinks a day, four days a week -- always with food and never in a non-social situation. If you need help reducing or stopping alcohol consumption, get help. And for help adjusting to signs of dementia, the Alzheimer's Association offers Early-Stage programs and LifespanEdge.com (that I'm associated with) offers therapeutic plasma exchange, shown in randomized studies to reverse cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.