If you've been enjoying your nightly glass of wine or beer thinking it's good for your brain, you might want to pour yourself a cup of tea instead. Groundbreaking research has just shattered the long-held belief that a little alcohol could protect against dementia.
A comprehensive study has found that drinking any amount of alcohol increases your risk of dementia later in life, challenging decades of research that seemed to suggest moderate drinking was beneficial for brain health.
This isn't just another small study with questionable results. Researchers combined data from more than half a million participants in the US Million Veteran Program and UK Biobank, making it the largest investigation of its kind to date.
The study that changes everything
The researchers investigated links between genetically-predicted likelihood of drinking alcohol for more than 2.4 million participants in 45 individual studies.
What makes this research particularly powerful is that it used a technique called Mendelian randomization alongside traditional observational methods.
'Our findings challenge the common belief that low levels of alcohol are beneficial for brain health'
The results were striking. There's a 15 per cent higher dementia risk for three drinks per week compared to one drink per week across life, and a doubling in the genetic risk of alcohol dependency was associated with a 16 per cent increase in dementia risk.
Why previous studies got it wrong
For years, many studies seemed to show that light drinkers had lower dementia risk than both heavy drinkers and non-drinkers, creating what researchers call a 'U-shaped curve'. But this new research reveals why those findings were misleading.
The study showed that people who later developed dementia reduced their alcohol intake before diagnosis, which explains why some previous studies found apparent protective effects.
This 'reverse causation' means dementia processes were actually influencing drinking behaviour, rather than alcohol protecting the brain.
People who drink lightly often lead healthier lives—they may exercise more, eat better, have higher education, or enjoy stronger social connections, all of which reduce dementia risk.
Meanwhile, some non-drinkers may have health issues that keep them from drinking, making the data seem like moderate drinkers have lower risk compared to their less-healthy, non-drinking peers.
Australian alcohol guidelines for seniors
Current Australian guidelines recommend no more than 10 standard drinks per week, with no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.
However, people in their 50s (32.3 per cent) and 60s (33.2 per cent) are more likely to exceed these guidelines than the general population (30.7 per cent).
What this means for Australian seniors
The findings are particularly relevant for older Australians. About four out of five Australians over 65 have a long-term health condition, and 40 per cent of Australians over 70 take five or more medications each day.
Alcohol can cause or worsen existing health conditions like heart disease, cancer and dementia, and might not mix well with medications.
People in older age groups who do consume alcohol are more likely to drink daily, which could compound the dementia risk over time.
How alcohol damages your brain
Fundamental neuroscience work has shown that alcohol is directly toxic to neurons in the brain. Chronic alcohol misuse accelerates brain aging and contributes to cognitive impairments, including those affecting memory.
The research shows this isn't just about heavy drinking. The risk of dementia increased steadily with greater alcohol intake, even at low levels, with no sweet spot or U-shaped curve—just a steady upward slope where no amount is safe.
Steps to protect your brain health
- Every drink you don't have helps—it's never too late to change
- Talk to your GP if you're drinking more than recommended guidelines
- Even if you've been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, changing habits can help
- Focus on a varied diet with lots of fruit and vegetables
- Keep your mind active and challenged to reduce dementia risk
It's not all doom and gloom
While this research might be disappointing if you enjoy your daily tipple, there's plenty of hope. Globally, 45 per cent of dementia cases can be prevented through lots of little things you can do every day.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle throughout your life can help reduce dementia risk, including not smoking, engaging in physical exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
A good social life helps you feel connected to the world, and that feeling is protective since loneliness and depression are linked to higher cognitive decline risk.
For those with alcohol-related concerns, alcohol-related dementia symptoms may be improved or reversed if diagnosed early and the person stops drinking alcohol and starts replacing thiamine (vitamin B1).
Getting help and support
If you're concerned about your drinking, there is expert support for reducing alcohol consumption that is respectful, private and sensitive. The confidential National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015) provides free 24/7 information, support and referrals.
For dementia information, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit Dementia Australia's website for comprehensive resources on brain health and risk reduction.
Remember, this research doesn't mean you need to panic if you've enjoyed the occasional drink over the years. What it does mean is that when it comes to protecting your brain health, every positive change you make counts—and the sooner you start, the better.
Have you been rethinking your relationship with alcohol lately? What strategies have you found helpful for maintaining an active social life while cutting back on drinking? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Original Article
https://7news.com.au/news/even-light-drinking-could-increase-dementia-risk-c-20157949
There is no safe amount of alcohol when it comes to dementia, study finds | CNN
Cited text: Drinking any amount of alcohol increases your risk of dementia later in life, according to a new study that challenges prior research findings.
Excerpt: A comprehensive study has found that drinking any amount of alcohol increases your risk of dementia later in life
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/23/health/alcohol-dementia-risk-study-wellness
Any level of alcohol consumption increases risk of dementia | University of Oxford
Cited text: Any amount of alcohol consumption may increase risk of dementia, according to the most comprehensive study of alcohol consumption and dementia risk to...
Excerpt: A comprehensive study has found that drinking any amount of alcohol increases your risk of dementia later in life
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-09-24-any-level-alcohol-consumption-increases-risk-dementia
Any level of alcohol consumption increases risk of dementia | University of Oxford
Cited text: This study combined observational data from more than half a million participants in two large and diverse population studies: the US Million Veteran ...
Excerpt: Researchers combined data from more than half a million participants in the US Million Veteran Program and UK Biobank
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-09-24-any-level-alcohol-consumption-increases-risk-dementia
Drinking any amount of alcohol likely increases dementia risk
Cited text: In all, 559,559 participants from both groups were included in observational analyses, 14,540 of whom developed dementia of any type during the monito...
Excerpt: Researchers combined data from more than half a million participants in the US Million Veteran Program and UK Biobank
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-amount-alcohol-dementia.html
Any level of alcohol consumption increases risk of dementia | University of Oxford
Cited text: The researchers also investigated links between genetically-predicted likelihood of drinking alcohol and alcohol use disorder for more than 2.4 millio...
Excerpt: The researchers investigated links between genetically-predicted likelihood of drinking alcohol for more than 2.4 million participants in 45 individual studies
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-09-24-any-level-alcohol-consumption-increases-risk-dementia
There is no safe amount of alcohol when it comes to dementia, study finds | CNN
Cited text: Here are the 17 best nonalcoholic wines we’re sipping on (Courtesy CNN Underscored) “There is a 15 per cent higher dementia risk for 3 drinks per week compare...
Excerpt: There's a 15 per cent higher dementia risk for three drinks per week compared to one drink per week across life
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/23/health/alcohol-dementia-risk-study-wellness
There is no safe amount of alcohol when it comes to dementia, study finds | CNN
Cited text: In addition, a doubling in the genetic risk of alcohol dependency was associated with a 16 per cent increase in dementia risk, according to the study.
Excerpt: a doubling in the genetic risk of alcohol dependency was associated with a 16 per cent increase in dementia risk
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/23/health/alcohol-dementia-risk-study-wellness
Any level of alcohol consumption increases risk of dementia | University of Oxford
Cited text: The study also showed that people who later developed dementia reduced their alcohol intake before diagnosis, another explanation for prior findings o...
Excerpt: The study showed that people who later developed dementia reduced their alcohol intake before diagnosis
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-09-24-any-level-alcohol-consumption-increases-risk-dementia
There is no safe amount of alcohol when it comes to dementia, study finds | CNN
Cited text: Mendelian randomization also reduces the chance of reverse causation, such as dementia processes influencing drinking rather than the reverse, and it ...
Excerpt: This 'reverse causation' means dementia processes were actually influencing drinking behaviour, rather than alcohol protecting the brain
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/23/health/alcohol-dementia-risk-study-wellness
Dementia: Drinking any amount of alcohol linked to higher risk
Cited text: People who drink lightly often lead healthier lives — they may exercise more, eat better, have higher education, or enjoy stronger social connections,...
Excerpt: People who drink lightly often lead healthier lives—they may exercise more, eat better, have higher education, or enjoy stronger social connections, all of which reduce dementia risk
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/am...unts-alcohol-may-increase-dementia-risk-study
Any Amount Of Alcohol Will Raise Your Dementia Risk, Shocking New Study Finds. Here's Why
Cited text: It’s important to point out that there is something called “abstainer bias,” which means that some people who don’t drink may have health issues that ...
Excerpt: some non-drinkers may have health issues that keep them from drinking, making the data seem like moderate drinkers have lower risk compared to their less-healthy, non-drinking peers
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a68057669/alcohol-dementia-link-research/
Dementia and alcohol—is there a connection? - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Cited text: The guidelines recommend healthy adults have no more than 10 standard drinks a week, with no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.
Excerpt: Current Australian guidelines recommend no more than 10 standard drinks per week, with no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day
https://adf.org.au/insights/dementia-alcohol-connection/
Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in Australia, Older people—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: Estimates from the NDSHS show that, in 2022—2023: People in their 50s (32.3 per cent) and 60s (33.2 per cent) were more likely to drink at levels that exceeded the ri...
Excerpt: people in their 50s (32.3 per cent) and 60s (33.2 per cent) are more likely to exceed these guidelines than the general population (30.7 per cent)
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alc...ia/contents/priority-populations/older-people
Alcohol and other drug use among older Australians—Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Cited text: About four out of five Australians over 65 have a long-term health issue.7 · Many of these are treated with multiple medicines. In fact, 40 per cent of Austra...
Excerpt: About four out of five Australians over 65 have a long-term health condition, and 40 per cent of Australians over 70 take five or more medications each day
https://adf.org.au/insights/aod-older-australians/
Alcohol and other drug use among older Australians—Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Cited text: alcohol can cause, or worsen, existing health conditions like heart disease, cancer and dementia · alcohol might not mix well with some medications, m...
Excerpt: Alcohol can cause or worsen existing health conditions like heart disease, cancer and dementia, and might not mix well with medications
https://adf.org.au/insights/aod-older-australians/
Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in Australia, Older people—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: However, people in older age groups who do consume alcohol are more likely to drink daily (AIHW 2024b).
Excerpt: People in older age groups who do consume alcohol are more likely to drink daily
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alc...ia/contents/priority-populations/older-people
There is no safe amount of alcohol when it comes to dementia, study finds | CNN
Cited text: “But this adds to a large amount of similar data showing associations between alcohol intake and increased dementia risk, and fundamental neuroscience...
Excerpt: Fundamental neuroscience work has shown that alcohol is directly toxic to neurons in the brain
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/23/health/alcohol-dementia-risk-study-wellness
Alcohol Use Disorder and Dementia: A Review—PMC
Cited text: Chronic alcohol misuse accelerates brain aging and contributes to cognitive impairments, including those in the mnemonic domain.
Excerpt: Chronic alcohol misuse accelerates brain aging and contributes to cognitive impairments, including those affecting memory
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11135165/
No amount of alcohol is safe for your brain, dementia study finds
Cited text: Instead, the risk of dementia increased steadily with greater alcohol intake, even at low levels.
Excerpt: The risk of dementia increased steadily with greater alcohol intake, even at low levels
https://www.zmescience.com/medicine...-is-safe-for-your-brain-dementia-study-finds/
No amount of alcohol is safe for your brain, dementia study finds
Cited text: There was no sweet spot, no U-shaped curve—just a steady upward slope. The more you drink, the worse it gets, and no amount is safe.
Excerpt: no sweet spot or U-shaped curve—just a steady upward slope where no amount is safe
https://www.zmescience.com/medicine...-is-safe-for-your-brain-dementia-study-finds/
How to reduce your risk of dementia | Dementia Australia
Cited text: Every drink you don’t have helps. Talk to your GP or the confidential National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline if you’re drinking more than the recomme...
Excerpt: Every drink you don't have helps—it's never too late to change
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reduce-your-risk-dementia
Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs | Dementia Australia
Cited text: The Australian government’s alcohol guidelines recommend: ... Talk to your GP if you’re drinking more than the recommended guidelines.
Excerpt: Talk to your GP if you're drinking more than recommended guidelines
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reducing-your-risk-dementia/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs
Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs | Dementia Australia
Cited text: Even if you’ve already been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, changing your habits can help.
Excerpt: Even if you've been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, changing habits can help
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reducing-your-risk-dementia/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs
How to reduce your risk of dementia | Dementia Australia
Cited text: Even if you’ve already been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, changing your habits can help.
Excerpt: Even if you've been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, changing habits can help
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reduce-your-risk-dementia
How to reduce your risk of dementia | Dementia Australia
Cited text: In terms of diet, again, we know there is evidence for the Mediterranean diet, in terms of preventing a whole lot of health conditions.
Excerpt: Focus on a varied diet with lots of fruit and vegetables
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reduce-your-risk-dementia
How to reduce your risk of dementia | Dementia Australia
Cited text: What we want to see people doing is eating a varied diet with lots of fruit and lots of veg and mixing it up a bit.
Excerpt: Focus on a varied diet with lots of fruit and vegetables
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reduce-your-risk-dementia
How to reduce your risk of dementia | Dementia Australia
Cited text: The more active and challenged your mind is, the better your chances are of preventing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Here are some ...
Excerpt: Keep your mind active and challenged to reduce dementia risk
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reduce-your-risk-dementia
How to reduce your risk of dementia | Dementia Australia
Cited text: Downloadhttps://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/2025-09/MKT-Risk-Factor-Infographic-A4-v4.pdf · The latest research shows that globally, 45 per cent o...
Excerpt: Globally, 45 per cent of dementia cases can be prevented through lots of little things you can do every day
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reduce-your-risk-dementia
How to reduce your risk of dementia | Dementia Australia
Cited text: Instead, there are lots of little things you can do every day that add up to a big reduction in your dementia risk.
Excerpt: Globally, 45 per cent of dementia cases can be prevented through lots of little things you can do every day
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reduce-your-risk-dementia
Alcohol and Dementia | Forward with Dementia Australia
Cited text: However, adopting a healthy lifestyle throughout your life can help reduce the risk of dementia and other long-term health issues. This includes drink...
Excerpt: Adopting a healthy lifestyle throughout your life can help reduce dementia risk, including not smoking, engaging in physical exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet
https://forwardwithdementia.au/news/alcohol-and-dementia/
How to reduce your risk of dementia | Dementia Australia
Cited text: A good social life helps us feel like we belong, like we’re connected to the world around us. That feeling of connection is protective: loneliness and...
Excerpt: A good social life helps you feel connected to the world, and that feeling is protective since loneliness and depression are linked to higher cognitive decline risk
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reduce-your-risk-dementia
Dementia and alcohol—is there a connection? - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Cited text: It can go undiagnosed and overlooked due to the many other chronic health issues Indigenous people face.9 · The lack of culturally sensitive screening...
Excerpt: alcohol-related dementia symptoms may be improved or reversed if diagnosed early and the person stops drinking alcohol and starts replacing thiamine (vitamin B1)
https://adf.org.au/insights/dementia-alcohol-connection/
Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs | Dementia Australia
Cited text: There is expert support for reducing your alcohol consumption that is respectful, private and sensitive.
Excerpt: there is expert support for reducing alcohol consumption that is respectful, private and sensitive
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reducing-your-risk-dementia/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs
How to reduce your risk of dementia | Dementia Australia
Cited text: There is expert support for reducing your alcohol consumption that is respectful, private and sensitive.
Excerpt: there is expert support for reducing alcohol consumption that is respectful, private and sensitive
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reduce-your-risk-dementia
Alcohol and other drug use among older Australians—Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Cited text: National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015 Free and confidential, 24/7 information, support and referrals.
Excerpt: The confidential National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015) provides free 24/7 information, support and referrals
https://adf.org.au/insights/aod-older-australians/
How to reduce your risk of dementia | Dementia Australia
Cited text: Talk to your GP or the confidential National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline if you’re drinking more than the recommended guidelines.
Excerpt: The confidential National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015) provides free 24/7 information, support and referrals
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reduce-your-risk-dementia
Alcohol and Dementia | Forward with Dementia Australia
Cited text: For more information on dementia and alcohol-related dementia, visit Dementia Australia or contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
Excerpt: For dementia information, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500
https://forwardwithdementia.au/news/alcohol-and-dementia/
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