Study: alcohol accelerates the development of Alzheimer’s disease

Even a small amount of alcohol consumed regularly, researchers at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, can accelerate the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

New study results published in Neurobiology of Disease, tells Medical Express. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, this disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of all cases of morbid dementia. Shannon McAuley, assistant professor of physiology and pharmacology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, says:

“The findings suggest that alcohol may accelerate the pathological cascade of early Alzheimer’s disease.”

The study was carried out on mice. For ten weeks, one group consumed water, the other – alcohol, while voluntarily. At the end of the experiment, the scientists examined how moderate alcohol consumption changed the behavior and brain function of the subjects. Particular attention was paid to checking the body for pathology associated with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

The results of the study showed that alcohol enhances the death of brain cells, that is, its atrophy. Interestingly, the abrupt withdrawal of alcohol also has a negative effect – amyloid plaques are formed from toxic proteins. They accumulate in Alzheimer’s disease.

Chronic, albeit moderate, alcohol consumption negatively affects brain metabolism. It also causes an increase in blood sugar levels and markers of insulin resistance, and can cause type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Even in moderation, research has shown alcohol has an impact on behavior. In mice that consumed alcohol during the experiment, anxiety increased and memory deteriorated. Shannon Macauley summarizes:

“These preclinical data suggest that even moderate alcohol consumption can lead to brain injury. Alcohol use may be a modified risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

Scientists around the world are investigating the impact and possible causes of Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, the results of a study were published that confirmed that past viral diseases can also cause this disease. And scientists from the University of Washington have created a new blood test method to diagnose this disease.

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