Just 8 Alcoholic Drinks a Week May Raise Dementia Risk, Study Finds

Heavy Drinking Linked to Brain Damage and Higher Dementia Risk, Study Finds

A new study published in Neurology has found that consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week may increase the risk of brain damage linked to memory loss and dementia.

Researchers examined brain tissue from 1,781 deceased individuals, whose average age at death was 75. By interviewing their families about lifetime alcohol use, scientists found a clear connection between heavy drinking and signs of brain injury—including lesions and tau tangles, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

"Heavy alcohol use is directly linked to brain damage that can affect memory and thinking long-term," said lead researcher Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo from the University of São Paulo.

The study showed:

• 44% of heavy drinkers had brain injuries.

• Former heavy drinkers had the highest rate of brain injuries at 50%.

• Heavy drinkers were 41% more likely to show tau tangles.

• Former heavy drinkers were 31% more likely to show these Alzheimer’s-related markers.

• Heavy drinkers died an average of 13 years earlier than non-drinkers.

Notably, no similar risk was found in current moderate drinkers, though the study didn’t assess drinking patterns over time.

Dr. Leana Wen, a public health expert not involved in the study, called the findings “compelling,” and noted the long-term impact of heavy drinking, even after stopping. She also emphasized that while the study shows strong associations, it does not prove direct causation.

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women. Experts advise mindful drinking and developing a healthy relationship with alcohol.