Drinking six pints of beer or glasses of wine a week could save you from deadly dementia
Scientists found those who were teetotal in mid-life were 47 per cent more likely to develop the brain-wasting condition
DOWNING up to six pints of beer or glasses of wine a week protects against dementia, a study suggests.
Scientists found those who were teetotal in mid-life were 47 per cent more likely to develop the brain-wasting condition.
But the risk also increased by 17 per cent for every three additional drinks above six. It is not known why moderate boozing has a protective effect.
But the reasons why abstinence and excessive drinking are harmful are thought to be different.
Researcher Dr Severine Sabia said: “Given the number of people living with dementia is expected to triple by 2050 and the absence of a cure, prevention is key.
“We show that both long-term alcohol abstinence and excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of dementia.”
A team from University College London analysed data on 9,087 British civil servants aged between 35 and 55.
Findings published in the BMJ showed that 23 years later, 397 had developed dementia, at an average age of 76.
The boffins say teetotallers should not see the findings as an excuse to drink — because there are many other risks associated with alcohol.
For instance, too much boozing increases the chance of cancer and liver disease as well as brain damage.
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Government guidelines say men and women should drink no more than 14 units a week — equal to six pints of beer or glasses of wine.
Dr Sara Imarisio, from Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “A healthy lifestyle, including cutting down on too much alcohol, can improve health and reduce dementia risk.
“A good motto tends to be, what is good for your heart is good for your brain.”
Around 850,000 people living in the UK have dementia.
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