As we age, our health becomes an ever-increasing priority, and for many of us over 60, maintaining our mental sharpness is at the top of the list. Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour, is a condition that many fear as they enter their golden years. But what if there were steps we could take to potentially reduce our risk of developing this debilitating disease? According to one dementia expert, there is a specific age when you should consider putting down the beer, wine, and spirits to help ward off Alzheimer's.


Dr Richard Restak, an American neurologist and past president of the American Neuropsychiatric Association, suggests that from the age of 65, individuals should become complete teetotallers. His advice, which is detailed in his book The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind, is based on the premise that even occasional alcohol consumption can accelerate age-related damage to nerve cells in the brain.


'Alcohol is a very, very weak neurotoxin—it’s not good for nerve cells,' Dr Restak writes. 'It is essential to abstain from alcohol at a stage in life where preserving neurons is crucial.'

The reason behind the age 65 benchmark is that the risk of dementia increases significantly at this age and continues to rise every five years thereafter. With nearly one million Brits and seven million Americans currently living with dementia, and predictions that these numbers will grow as populations age, the advice to abstain from alcohol is more pertinent than ever.


Research has consistently shown that high alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of dementia. Prolonged excessive drinking can lead to brain shrinkage, which can exacerbate the progression of dementia and, in some cases, even trigger the condition. A lifetime of heavy drinking is one of several lifestyle factors that could increase the risk of developing dementia.

One particularly severe form of dementia related to alcohol consumption is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, which occurs when alcohol disrupts the body's ability to absorb vitamin B1 (thiamine), essential for brain cell health. Charities like Alzheimer's Research UK suggest that up to half of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or significantly delayed if people reduced their alcohol intake.


The NHS recommends that adults drink no more than 14 units of alcohol each week, which equates to about six pints of average-strength beer or a bottle and a half of wine. However, research indicates that the dangers alcohol poses to dementia risk may be present even before the age of 65. A significant study of French individuals diagnosed with early-onset dementia found that half had a history of alcohol-use disorder.

While some small studies have suggested that moderate drinking could help ward off dementia, experts and charities caution that this link has not been conclusively proven. The cost of dementia to society is staggering, with estimates of £43 billion per year in the UK alone, a figure expected to double by 2040.

So, what does this mean for our members here at the Seniors Discount Club? It's a reminder that moderation is key and that as we age, the choices we make can have a profound impact on our long-term health. If you enjoy a drink now and then, it's worth considering the potential risks and benefits, and perhaps discussing with your healthcare provider whether reducing or eliminating alcohol might be a wise choice for you.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Have you changed your drinking habits as you've aged? Do you believe that abstaining from alcohol can help preserve cognitive function? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below, and let's continue the conversation about maintaining a healthy lifestyle as we age.