982,000 people are living with dementia across the UK, but this number is projected to soar to 1.4 million by 2040, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. Whilst there’s no known cure or direct cause, particular lifestyle habits have been shown to either heighten or lower your chances of developing the condition.
Dementia expert Dr Helen Moore, who has spent decades researching these lifestyle factors and their impact on dementia risk, is advising people to quit drinking alcohol specifically at age 65.
Alcohol can restrict blood flow to the brain, which disrupts neurotransmitters and can potentially trigger memory lapses whilst accelerating memory deterioration.
Whilst alcohol doesn’t directly trigger dementia, excessive drinking has been proven to increase a person’s chances of developing the condition, according to Dementia UK.
Research surrounding moderate drinking remains somewhat inconclusive. The charity said: “Some studies have suggested that abstaining from alcohol completely may make you less likely to develop dementia, but it is generally accepted that if you stay within the recommended limits, it is unlikely to increase the risk.”
The NHS advises consuming no more than 14 units of alcohol weekly, spread across a minimum of three days, with several alcohol-free days each week.
Health experts also urge people of all ages to steer clear of binge drinking, which means consuming more than eight units of alcohol in one go for blokes, and six units for women.
When it comes to age, Dr Moore explained: “From 65 onwards, alcohol is more likely to harm your brain and body than help it. Cutting it out completely is the safest choice if you want to reduce your dementia risk.
“Our bodies process alcohol more slowly as we get older. The brain becomes more vulnerable, and the impact on balance, memory and reaction times is far greater than when we were younger.”
To make the transition smoother, specialists suggest trying alcohol-free alternatives to your go-to beverages and shifting your social activities away from booze-focused events or locations.
As we get older, liver function begins to decline and muscle mass typically decreases, meaning alcohol lingers in our system for longer periods, amplifying its effects on the body.
This explains why even a modest tipple can have a more severe impact on elderly people compared to their younger selves, also making them more susceptible to tumbles – the leading cause of injury and loss of independence in later life, according to Alderberry Care specialists.
The experts in live-in care have witnessed the impact of alcohol on people first-hand, as a spokesperson shared: “We’ve found that many older people who have never drunk alcohol, or who stopped years ago, often keep their memory sharper for longer.
“It’s not a guarantee, but it does seem to make a difference. If you’re over 65, giving up alcohol could be one of the most important decisions you ever make.”