As we gracefully navigate the golden years of our lives, it's essential to focus on maintaining our health and well-being. For many of us in the Seniors Discount Club, that means taking proactive steps to protect our brain health and reduce the risk of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's. While ageing is a natural process, there are certain lifestyle choices we can make to help preserve our cognitive function.

Neurologists are now emphasising the importance of breaking certain habits by the time we reach 65 to prevent the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's. One of the most critical habits to let go of is the consumption of alcohol. Despite the social and cultural allure of a glass of wine or a pint of beer, the risks to our brain health are too significant to ignore.


Dr Clifford Segil, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Centre in Santa Monica, California, warns that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can cause brain atrophy. This means that it leads to the loss of brain cells and the connections between them. For those already experiencing a decline in brain function, introducing a substance that further slows cognitive processes or causes the brain to shrink can exacerbate dementia symptoms.


The impact of alcohol on brain health is profound. It can lead to seizures, electrical problems in the brain, and neuropathies, which are essentially frayed nerves causing burning pains and numbness. There are no known brain health benefits to even limited alcohol consumption, and frequent consumption can only harm your brain health.


In the past, there have been reports suggesting that red wine might have health benefits, including for the heart and liver. However, current research indicates that alcohol consumption does not benefit these organs, and certainly not the brain. Dr Segil advises that there are no claimed or reported brain health benefits to any alcohol consumption, even in small amounts.

The link between alcohol and Alzheimer's disease or dementia is still being researched, but a study from September 2024 suggests a potential connection. The study, which had a small sample size of 75 patients with various stages of Alzheimer's disease, indicated that alcoholism might contribute to the development of Alzheimer's and worsen the condition in those already diagnosed. While more research is needed, alcohol can be considered a risk factor for developing dementia.

Dr Segil also stresses that alcohol abuse disorder can affect anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. It's a medical condition that should be destigmatised to encourage those affected to seek treatment without shame. He has treated countless patients whose dementia and memory loss improved significantly when they stopped drinking.


As we consider our lifestyle choices, it's important to remember that moderation is key. If you enjoy a drink now and then, it's worth discussing with your doctor what a safe level of consumption might be for you, especially as you approach or surpass the age of 65. For those who have a history of heavy drinking, it may be time to consider quitting altogether to protect your cognitive health.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we encourage our members to prioritise their health and seek support when making significant lifestyle changes. Whether it's through community groups, medical professionals, or family and friends, taking steps to reduce alcohol consumption can have a profound impact on your quality of life and cognitive longevity.
We'd love to hear from you, our readers, about your experiences and thoughts on this topic. Have you made any changes to your drinking habits as you've aged? What strategies have you found helpful in maintaining your brain health? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's continue to support each other in living our best lives after 60.