We already knew that drinking too much alcohol is bad for us, but a new study reveals that even a low level of alcohol consumption can damage the brain.
A new study, to be in the June issue of the journal Alcoholassociated higher levels of alcohol consumption with a reduced cerebral perfusion (blood flow) and a cortex – the part of the brain where most higher-level thinking occurs – thinner.
The results suggest that it is possible that even effects of an occasional drink accumulate over time.
“Even alcohol consumption considered ‘low risk’ can have consequences for the integrity of cortical tissue, particularly with advancing age”, write the researchers in the published article, cited by .
As detailed by the same magazine, the study involved 45 healthy adults aged 22 to 70 with no history of alcohol use disorder or episodic binge drinking in the past year.
They were asked questions about their drinking habits over the past year, the past three years and throughout their lives.
Among all participants, the average lifetime alcohol consumption was 21 drinks per month. The sample varied between one and 54 drinks per month.
The data from these responses were then compared with MRI scans that measured cortical volume and thicknessas well as measurements of the cerebral perfusionwhich were available to 27 of the participants.
It is important, however, to point out that these tests were carried out only once and the study volunteers were not monitored over time.
Although cortical thickness was associated with levels of alcohol consumption, association was stronger with cerebral perfusion. This suggests that alcohol levels may have a greater effect on blood flow, which in turn increases the risk of brain tissue damage.
As with the rest of the body, a good circulation in the brain is crucial to deliver oxygen and nutrients where they are needed and remove waste.
“Overall, the results may reflect the cumulative effects of low-level alcohol consumption across the lifespan, which, in interaction with age, promote synergistic decreases in perfusion and cortical thickness“, write the researchers.
