Memory Loss - Does Drinking Alcohol Help or Hurt?

Moderate alcohol consumption has benefits, but the keyword is “moderate”. Why is it when you over consume alcohol you experience memory loss? The harmful effects of alcohol abuse are well known in our society. Have you ever experienced memory loss because of over intoxication? You most certainly have heard stories from people who drank too much and don't remember conversations they had, or in some instances how they even got home.

For years the French have claimed the benefits of red wine consumption to explain their low rate of heart disease. There is a less well-known benefit to moderate consumption of alcohol, that it may in fact be beneficial to cognitive function. Medical research is providing growing evidence that moderate alcohol consumption can actually lower memory loss and the risk of cognitive decline such as dementia.

People who drink one alcoholic drink per day appeared to have a reduced risk of memory loss. However, people who consume 14 or more alcohol drinks per week increase their risk of dementia. It seems that a diet that is good for the heart apparently is also good for the brain. Research shows that moderate alcohol consumption lowers the risk of coronary heart disease in older individuals. Many experts believe that moderate alcohol consumption might help protect the brain in the same way it protects the heart.

The reason for this is alcohol prevents blood clots from forming and raises the levels of HDL (the good cholesterol). These factors alone help to maintain a quality blood flow to the brain and heart. Researchers in the lab have shown that low doses of alcohol will actually increase the neurotransmitters in the brain while high doses of alcohol do just the opposite, and interfere with memory.

I'm not recommending anyone who doesn't drink to begin drinking as a way to prevent memory loss. I am clearly stating here is there is some positive clinical studies that show moderate alcohol consumption 1 to 2 drinks per day can possibly benefit not only your heart but your brain. We must not forget there are risks to alcohol consumption even in moderation. Consult your health care provider to make certainly that there will not be any adverse effects on medication you may be taking. Women should be aware of the increased risk of breast cancer.

There are many ways to prevent memory loss and although I don't condone the use of alcohol I felt my readers are entitled to all the information available to help them make their own choices.