How to Reduce Your Dementia Risk With Alcohol

Here's something to raise your glass to: People aged 60 and over who drink alcohol may lower their Alzheimer's disease risk according to the "American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry." The study says that oldsters who consume moderate amounts of alcohol may lower their risk for other dementias too, as well as Alzheimer's.

But before you break out the bubbly--read on to learn more about this ground-breaking report--and how you may be able to drink your way smart.

Instructions

1. Drink up. The study examined 15 other studies that followed more than 28,000 adults over a two-year span. According to the study, moderate drinking included one to 28 drinks per week. So if you're in that range with your drinking, you are considered a moderate drinker. (Male drinkers lowered their dementia risk by 45 percent, and the risk to women was reduced by 27 percent.)

2. Drink moderately. Remember, the study doesn't say to drink a lot--you have to be a moderate drinker to possibly reap the rewards. A drink with dinner is OK, for example. Studying the effects of alcohol on dementia isn't a black-and-white issue. Issues such as beverage type, quantity and individual behavior play huge factors in the study, which appeared in the July 2009 issue of "The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry." While the outcomes of the study so far are positive, it isn't a green light to drink heavily.

3. Reap the benefits. If you stay in moderation, and under 28 drinks in a week, you may benefit from the alcohol. You can benefit by drinking healthy alcohols (wine is a great start) instead of fatty drinks, such as mudslides. Drinks can be loaded with calories, so pay attention to that. According to the article, moderate alcohol consumption can increase HDL levels, which is the good cholesterol. In addition, moderate drinking can improve the flow of blood to the brain and lower blood coagulation. All of these factors may reduce the risk for dementia-related diseases.

4. Realize the consequences. Many seniors don't see alcoholism as a problem if they haven't had repercussions from it throughout their lives. Alcohol rehab centers say that lots of their residents report this mindset. Lots of seniors also have other conditions that can impede rehab treatment, so many are hesitant to go. You don't want to increase drinking just for the chance that it could offset dementia disorders-moderation is key.

5. Be careful. When drinking, you want to be sure that you are safe. Drinking moderately doesn't mean have a week's worth of drinks in one night. But if you do get a little tipsy, for example, stay off the road.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your doctor about the study to see if moderate alcohol consumption may help you.

• This study was reported in the "New York Times." Please review all information with your doctor before undertaking any activities mentioned in this article.

• The overall concept of alcohol use later in life needs to be further assessed in regard to general health effects.

Resources

• American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Article
• New York Times Article