Food

Alcohol (regular consumption)

Dietary factor.

In practice

It depends on the case; there is no single guideline.

Precautions

Starting to drink for health reasons is not recommended.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Cognition and dementia

association Low-moderate study (A)

Review: the relationship between alcohol and cognition appears U-shaped: high, frequent consumption damages the brain and lowers performance, whereas light-to-moderate consumption might be associated with some protection. Note: the supposed benefit of moderate consumption is heavily debated (possible biases).

View the study (study) →

In depth

Diet · Highest evidence: Low-moderate · 1 finding

⚠️ Starting to drink for health reasons is not recommended.

Findings

Cognition and dementia — association (Low-moderate, study). Review: the relationship between alcohol and cognition appears to be U-shaped: heavy, frequent drinking harms the brain and lowers performance, whereas light-to-moderate drinking might be associated with some protection. Note: the supposed benefit of moderate drinking is highly debated (possible biases). 28950395

Information, not medical advice. Prescription drugs require a doctor.

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.