People should ditch the booze in efforts of fending off Alzheimer’s later in life, a dementia expert has revealed.
American neurologist Dr Richard Restak advises becoming a teetotaller from the age 65 in the fight against mental decline.
Age-related damage to nerve cells in our brains is accelerated with as little as one or two boozy drinks every few weeks. Dr Restak, who is past president of the American neuropsychiatric Association, says it is “crucial” to avoid the hard stuff later in life, recommending to “permanently eliminate alcohol”.
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In his book, The Complete guide to Memory:” The Science of Strengthening Your Mind, Dr Restak wrote: “Alcohol is a very, very weak neurotoxin – it’s not good for nerve cells.
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“It is essential to abstain from alcohol at a stage in life where preserving neurons is crucial.
“I strongly suggest that if you are 65 years old or older, that you completely and permanently eliminate alcohol from your diet.”
At the age of 65, the risk of dementia increases five-fold, and continues to jump every five years.
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It’s thought almost one million people are living with dementia currently in the UK, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK, with the number expected to rise to 1.4million by 2040. Research indicates 55 million people are living with the condition worldwide.
Dementia is the continuing decline of brain function, that robs people of memories, abilities and independence.
Up to 45% of dementia cases globally could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 risk factors which impact brain health.
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Excessive alcohol consumption is among these risk factors, with smoking, air pollution and social isolation all risk factors.
It’s understood prolonged heavy drinking shrinks parts of the brain which can inflame dementia and even trigger it. Research also suggests alcohol is a dementia risk before the age of 65 too.
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